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Punjab is set to roll out a Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-assisted horticulture project worth around INR 1,300 crore to strengthen the state's horticulture sector and improve farmers' income. The initiative will focus on climate-resilient and high-value crops, modern technology adoption, quality planting material and infrastructure development. The announcement comes as Punjab continues to expand horticulture cultivation and records the highest number of approved projects under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) scheme. The state government expects the project to further diversify agriculture and create better livelihood opportunities for farmers and rural youth.
Punjab is preparing to launch a Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-assisted horticulture project worth around INR 1,300 crore to strengthen the state's horticulture sector and increase farmers' income. The announcement was made by Punjab Horticulture Minister Mohinder Bhagat while addressing a press conference in Chandigarh.
The minister said the upcoming project will focus on promoting climate-resilient and high-value horticultural crops across Punjab. It is aimed at encouraging farmers to diversify beyond conventional crops by adopting modern cultivation practices that can improve productivity and profitability.
According to Bhagat, the project will support the adoption of advanced technologies, ensure the availability of quality planting material, strengthen horticulture-related infrastructure and help farmers earn better returns from their produce. The initiative is expected to improve the overall horticulture value chain while making cultivation more sustainable.
He said the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government has been implementing several farmer-oriented schemes to promote horticulture across the state. These initiatives have benefited farmers while also creating new opportunities for young people interested in agriculture and allied sectors.
Bhagat said the government's efforts have encouraged many young people to consider horticulture as a source of livelihood instead of looking for employment opportunities overseas. He added that expanding horticulture can generate income through fruit, vegetable, floriculture and other high-value crops while reducing dependence on traditional farming patterns.
Providing details of existing government support, the minister said that since 2022, Punjab has approved 28,195 projects under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) scheme. These projects have received loans worth around INR 6,729 crore from various financial institutions.
He further stated that the AIF scheme has been particularly beneficial for small and marginal farmers by improving access to agricultural infrastructure and institutional finance. According to the minister, Punjab has recorded the highest number of approved projects under the scheme among all states in the country.
Bhagat also said that Punjab's continued focus on horticulture and supportive government policies has expanded the area under horticulture cultivation to 5.21 lakh hectares. The state has been encouraging diversification from the traditional wheat-paddy cropping system to improve farm sustainability, conserve natural resources and enhance income opportunities.
The minister expressed confidence that Punjab would emerge as the country's leading horticulture state in the coming years. He said the government remains focused on modernising the sector through better infrastructure, wider use of technology, improved planting material and continued support for the cultivation of high-value horticultural crops.
Source PTI
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