Punjab transfers ₹3.23-Cr cotton seed subsidy to 17k farmers, says agri minister

Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian informed that fulfilling the promise of the state government of providing the 33% subsidy on cotton seeds certified by Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), the department has transferred the funds through the DBT system

Punjab agriculture department on Wednesday said it has transferred ₹3.23 crore of cotton seed subsidy into the bank accounts of over 17,673 farmers.

Punjab agriculture department on Wednesday said it has transferred ₹3.23 crore of cotton seed subsidy into the bank accounts of over 17,673 farmers. (HT File)

Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian informed that fulfilling the promise of the state government of providing the 33% subsidy on cotton seeds certified by Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), the department has transferred the funds through the DBT system. The amount has been released under the first phase and the remaining would be transferred to eligible farmers shortly, he added.

The agriculture minister said that preventive measures are also being taken to check the attack of white fly and pink bollworms. “The concerned officials have been directed to conduct field inspections frequently and sensitise the farmers about taking concrete steps for prevention of this disease,” he said.

The department has also pressed seven flying squad teams into the service for inter-district checking to ensure the supply of quality seeds and pesticides to the farmers. The minister categorically said that stern action will be taken against those found indulged in selling spurious seeds and pesticides.