In order to encourage direct seeding, paddy, and maize cultivation during the Kharif season in the state, the Punjab government has decided to offer a 50 percent subsidy on the purchase of agricultural machinery. With this, the government aims to help farmers in dealing with the shortage of labor that persists due to the lockdown. It will also help the farmers in saving groundwater.
Elaborating on the government’s decision, Agriculture Secretary Kahan Singh Pannu said that the government will provide a 50 percent subsidy on agricultural machinery to women, men, small and marginal farmers. The rest of the farmers can avail of the machinery on 40 percent relaxation. The beneficiaries have been asked to submit applications by the 10th of May to enjoy the subsidy on machinery for paddy and maize cultivation during the Kharif season.
The machinery under the subsidy includes machines for direct seeding of paddy with or without spray attachments, paddy nursery sowing machines, paddy transplanting machines, and equipment used for maize sowing, threshing, and drying.
Pannu further told that the process of taking subsidy for agricultural machinery has been simplified so that farmers can take maximum benefit of subsidy, regardless of the restrictions during COVID-19. The farmers can submit their applications directly to the officers working in the field of agriculture department on plain paper, through e-mail or WhatsApp, the secretary further added. For more information related to subsidy on these agricultural implements, farmers can dial toll-free number 1800-180-1551 of the call center from 6 am to 10 pm.
