‘Badalta Punjab’ Budget: Punjab Allocates ₹14,524 Crore for Agriculture with Major Focus on Crop Diversification, Says Khudian
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Agriculture Minister Terms Budget Path-Breaking with a Series of Measures for Crop Diversification
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Farmers to Get ₹17,500 Per Hectare for Switching to Kharif Maize Cultivation: Gurmeet Singh Khudian
Chandigarh, March 26, 2025:
To sow the seeds of prosperity in the agriculture sector, the Punjab government has allocated ₹14,524 crore for the agriculture and allied sectors and introduced a range of measures for crop diversification in its budget for the FY 2025-26. The initiative aims to make agriculture a sustainable and profitable venture, said Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Punjab.
The Agriculture Minister praised the ‘Badalta Punjab’ budget, presented today by Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema in the state assembly, as a testament to Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab government’s commitment to the welfare of the agrarian community. He highlighted that the budget introduces measures aimed at enhancing farmers’ income and securing their prosperity for generations to come.
Khudian stated that ₹14,524 crore has been earmarked for the agriculture and allied sectors in the next financial year, representing a 5% increase from last year. A new scheme covering the districts of Bathinda, Kapurthala, and Gurdaspur will promote Kharif maize cultivation over 21,000 hectares, encouraging ethanol production to achieve the 20% ethanol blending target by 2025. Farmers will receive a subsidy of ₹17,500 per hectare for switching to Kharif maize cultivation, benefiting approximately 30,000 farmers.
Additionally, ₹115 crore has been designated for various crop diversification initiatives. The state will also allocate ₹149 crore under the Krishonnati Yojana to support critical activities including agricultural extension, food security enhancement, horticulture promotion, seed development, edible oil production, and digital agriculture.
In a push for sustainability, the Punjab government has committed ₹60 crore in capital subsidies to industries transitioning to paddy stubble-based boilers. This eco-friendly initiative is expected to utilize 3 million tonnes of paddy stubble annua