In Horticulture lies opportunity for Punjab Farmers: Parliament Question by Sanjeev Arora MP

Ludhiana : MP (Rajya Sabha) from Punjab Sanjeev Arora has appealed to the Punjab farmers to start cultivation of flowers as diversification is need of the hour for better returns per acre.

In a statement here today, he added that the farmers must understand the situation as the underground water is depleting at an alarming stage so farming requiring comparatively less water are better proposal.

He added that now, the present state government is making all out efforts to meet this challenge and overcome the situation. At the same time, the farmers should adopt to diversification of crops, he added.

Arora said the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is implementing Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) scheme for the holistic development of horticulture in the country.

He added recently, he had asked question on potential of floriculture in the country in the recent session of Rajya Sabha and in reply, the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare stated that all States/UTs are covered under MIDH. Under MIDH, assistance is provided for cultivation of flowers in open conditions as well as under protected conditions and for cost of planting material etc.

Further, Arora said the Union Minister also informed the House that since inception of MIDH scheme (2014-15 to 2021-22), an area of 71,212 hectares has been brought under cultivation of flowers in open conditions under the component of area expansion. The Union Minister has also stated that during 2022-23, an amount of Rs.1309.24 crore has been allocated under MIDH.

Adding, Arora said the Union Minister further informed the House that National Horticulture Board is also implementing schemes namely “Development of Commercial Horticulture through Production and Post-Harvest Management of Horticulture Crops” and “Capital Investment Subsidy for Construction/Expansion/ Modernization of Cold Storages and Storages for Horticulture products” for development of horticulture including floriculture.

Under these schemes, subsidy at 35 per cent to 50 per cent is provided for various components as per the prescribed cost norms. Arora said Punjab has been provided financial assistance worth Rs.1898.65 lakhs for cultivation of flowers in open conditions as well as under protected conditions since inception of scheme (2014-15 to 2021-22). He asked the Punjab farmers to avail benefits against these schemes up to maximum level and reap more income.