Punjab govt unveils Comprehensive Horticulture Initiatives in 2024-25 Budget

In a significant move to boost horticulture in water-scarce Punjab, the AAP government has introduced a series of schemes aimed at supporting farmers. Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema unveiled these initiatives during the presentation of the state budget 2024-25 in the Vidhan Sabha on Tuesday.

The flagship program, Punjab Horticulture Advancement and Sustainable Entrepreneurship (PHASE), aims to enhance product quality and foster horticulture crop clusters. Cheema highlighted, “This initiative, alongside various crop diversification measures, will improve product quality and develop horticulture crop clusters, with suitable allocations in the budget.”

Among the key schemes is an incentive program offering Rs 10,000 per acre to farmers adopting new orchards with drip irrigation. Shailender Kaur, Director of Punjab’s horticulture department, emphasized that this scheme encourages fruit cultivation while conserving groundwater. Other initiatives include support for post-harvest handling of fruits and vegetables, production of exotic vegetables, and encouragement for protected cultivation of off-season vegetables. The PHASE program aims to guide farmers through the value chain, addressing gaps in marketing their produce.

While presenting last year’s budget, the AAP government announced the ‘Bhaav Antar Bhugtan Yojana’ to ensure a minimum remuneration for vegetable growers, but its implementation is pending. Kaur outlined the plan to introduce the scheme for crops like potatoes, green capsicums, tomatoes, and cauliflowers, providing intervention during market price fluctuations.

Despite previous budgetary allocations, some initiatives from the last year, such as the establishment of new horticulture estates, are yet to materialize. Kaur explained that the focus is currently on strengthening existing fruit estates before expanding facilities.

The announcement also included infrastructure development by the Punjab Agri Export Corporation (PAGREXCO) for processing and marketing chilli, tomato, and kinnow. Additionally, a potato-integrated facility for grading and packing potatoes was proposed to benefit potato growers.

As Punjab strives to transform its agricultural landscape, these horticulture initiatives aim to empower farmers, improve product quality, and create sustainable entrepreneurial opportunities in the sector.