Punjab Horticulture Area Rises to 5.21 Lakh Hectares

Chandigarh, Jul 7 (PTI) The area under horticulture in Punjab has increased to 5.21 lakh hectares due to farmer-friendly policies of the state government aimed at improving farmers' income and welfare, Punjab Horticulture Minister Mohinder Bhagat said on Tuesday.

In a statement, Bhagat said the initiatives undertaken by the government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann were yielding positive results and had contributed to the expansion of horticulture in the state.

He said the government was encouraging farmers to diversify beyond the traditional crop cycle by cultivating fruits, vegetables, flowers and other high-value horticultural crops.


According to the minister, crop diversification was helping increase farmers' income while making horticulture more profitable and sustainable.

Bhagat said the Horticulture Department was providing financial assistance under various government schemes, technical guidance, quality planting material and awareness about modern horticulture practices to improve productivity and profitability.

He said departmental officers had been directed to ensure that the benefits of all government schemes reached eligible farmers in a timely manner.

The minister also appealed to farmers to take maximum advantage of horticulture-related government schemes and contact their nearest horticulture office for information, guidance and assistance.