Punjab to Invest Rs 1,300 crore in horticulture; MoU signed to strengthen FPOs and boost farmers’ income
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, February 18, 2026: Punjab is poised for a major transformation in its horticulture sector with a proposed investment of ₹1,300 crore aimed at increasing farmers’ income and expanding opportunities in value addition and exports, Horticulture Minister Mohinder Bhagat said on Wednesday.
Addressing a press conference, the Minister shared insights from his recent visit to Sahyadri Farmers Producer Company Limited in Nashik, Maharashtra.
He stated that Punjab will adopt key elements of the Maharashtra horticulture model to help farmers enhance profits through organised farming, processing, and improved market linkages. An MoU was also signed with Sahyadri to strengthen Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) in Punjab through structured training and institutional support.
Bhagat said the visit provided valuable exposure to how farmers can collaborate under the FPO model to improve production, grading, packaging, processing, and exports. He highlighted that Sahyadri works with thousands of farmers across more than 30,000 acres and exports fruits and vegetables to 42 countries, demonstrating how collective efforts can significantly enhance farm incomes.
The delegation visited modern packhouses, processing units, research farms, and training centres, where they interacted with farmers and experts. The Minister noted that Punjab’s farmers could benefit from scientific crop planning, strict quality control measures, and stronger market connections—key pillars of the Maharashtra model.
Speaking about the MoU, Bhagat said it will facilitate the formation of strong farmer groups in Punjab and provide training, technological assistance, and guidance to help farmers secure better prices for their produce through collective marketing.
Reaffirming the state government’s commitment to crop diversification, the Minister said Punjab is actively promoting a shift towards horticulture to ensure sustainable income generation and value addition. He expressed confidence that with strategic investment and institutional support, Punjab has the potential to emerge as a leading horticulture hub in the country.
Among those present on the occasion were Commissioner Agriculture Babita Kaler, Director Horticulture Shailender Kaur, Deputy Director Horticulture Harpreet Singh Sethi, Assistant Director Horticulture Rupinder Kaur, Assistant Director Horticulture Balwinderjit Kaur, and other senior officials.