By Amrit Pal Sidhu
Bathinda, August 7:
In a major push to promote oilseed cultivation, value addition and rural agro-processing, the Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department has invited applications for financial assistance to establish oil extraction mills, offering a 33 per cent subsidy up to a maximum of ₹9.90 lakh under the National Mission on Edible Oils–Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds).
Chief Agriculture Officer, Bathinda, Dr. Harpreet Pal Kaur, said eligible applicants must submit their applications by August 10, 2026, urging prospective beneficiaries not to miss the short deadline.
“The scheme is aimed at strengthening oilseed processing infrastructure and creating greater opportunities for farmers to increase their income through value addition,” Dr. Harpreet Pal Kaur said.
FPOs, Cooperatives and Industries Eligible
The subsidy will be available to Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), cooperative societies, government and non-government industries/corporations and other eligible applicants meeting the prescribed conditions.
According to the Agriculture Department, the initiative is designed not merely to promote oilseed production but also to encourage local processing of oilseeds into edible oil products, thereby creating additional income opportunities for farmers and strengthening the agricultural value chain.
“Processing oilseeds locally can help farmers move beyond the sale of raw produce and benefit from value addition and oil-based products,” the Chief Agriculture Officer said.
Applications to Be Screened by District-Level Committee
Applicants have been advised to contact their respective Block Agriculture Office or the office of the Chief Agriculture Officer, Bathinda, for detailed information regarding eligibility, subsidy rates, required documents and other scheme-related requirements.
Dr. Harpreet Pal Kaur appealed to all eligible applicants to take maximum advantage of the government initiative and ensure that their applications reach the department within the stipulated time.
“Eligible applicants should make full use of this government welfare scheme and submit their applications within the prescribed deadline,” she appealed.
The department has also clarified that in case the number of applications exceeds the prescribed limit, beneficiaries will be selected by the District-Level Committee constituted under the Oilseeds Mission. The decision of the committee in this regard will be final