Punjab to launch JICA assisted project to promote horticulture

Chandigarh, Jul 9 (PTI) Punjab Horticulture Minister Mohinder Bhagat on Thursday said the state government will soon launch a Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-assisted project worth around Rs 1,300 crore to promote horticulture and enhance farmers' income. Addressing a press conference here, Bhagat said the project aims to encourage climate-resilient and high-value horticultural crops across Punjab. He said it will promote the adoption of modern technologies, ensure the availability of quality planting material, strengthen horticulture infrastructure and boost farmers' earnings. The minister said the Bhagwant Mann-led government has been implementing several farmer-friendly schemes to promote horticulture, benefiting both farmers and the youth. He claimed these initiatives are encouraging young people to take up horticulture as a livelihood instead of seeking opportunities abroad. Bhagat said that since 2022, a total of 28,195 projects have been approved under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) scheme in Punjab. Farmers have received loans worth about Rs 6,729 crore from various financial institutions under the scheme, he added. The AIF scheme has been particularly beneficial for small and marginal farmers, he said, adding that Punjab has recorded the highest number of approved projects under the scheme in the country. The minister said the area under horticulture in Punjab has expanded to 5.21 lakh hectares due to the state's focus on the sector and farmer-friendly policies. He expressed confidence that Punjab would emerge as the country's leading horticulture state in the coming years. Bhagat said the government remains committed to modernising the horticulture sector and improving farmers' incomes through infrastructure development, technology adoption and support for high-value crops. PTI VSD BAL BAL BAL