Bathinda: Punjab govt has retained the decision of providing 33% subsidy on certified BT cotton hybrids and desi cotton seed varieties recommended by Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana. The scheme was launched in 2025.The state govt will bear nearly one-third of the seed cost for growers opting for any of the 87 approved BT cotton hybrids and four desi cotton varieties – LD1019, LD949, FDK124 and PBD88. The 33% subsidy will be credited directly to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries after verification.In the last kharif season, area under cotton cultivation surged by 19% from one lakh hectare in 2024 to 1.19 lakh hectare in 2025. In the coming season, a target of cotton in 1.25 lakh hectare has been fixed.The online application portal for availing the subsidy was made operational on April 20. The ideal time for cotton sowing is considered up to May 15. This move will encourage the farmers to shift towards scientifically recommended, high-yield cotton varieties. The combination of desi cotton options and PAU-approved BT hybrid cotton seeds will help Punjab to reclaim its traditional cotton belt, stated Punjab agriculture minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian.Khudian has directed all chief agriculture officers to run intensive awareness campaign and ensure seamless access to the online portal for every eligible farmer, so that no grower was left out due to lack of information or digital access. He has also urged the cotton growers to apply early on the portal and avail full benefit of this scheme.
