Punjab Government on Sunday said that 5.35 lakh quintal of seeds will be distributed to State wheat growers in the Rabi sowing season.
The seeds will be distributed by National Seeds Corporation, Punseed, Punjab Agriculture University, Punjab Agro and other allied agencies, said the State Agriculture Minister Tota Singh.
He said that the State Government was committed to provide seeds of progressive varieties including wheat HD 2967, PBW 550, and PBW 621 at the rate of `700 per quintal.
A sum of `12,000 crore, as short term crop loans, would be provided to farmers through primary co-operative agriculture societies adding that arrangements would be made for the supply of 6.5 lakh MT of urea and nearly 2.70 lakh MT of DAP to farmers of the State.
A maximum of two quintal seeds would be provided to each farmer, he said, adding that the distribution of the seeds was being done in a transparent manner after obtaining application for requirement. In case there is a demand for more, the Government will arrange for it.
“The provision is made under the National Food Security Mission and Rashtriya Krishi Vigyan Yojana,” he said, adding that he was “personally supervising the entire programme of distribution up to the level of small farmers”.
Singh also appealed the farmers to take the bill at the time of purchase of seeds. “In case of any problem, the farmers can contact the department.” The need of the hour is to eliminate corrupt middlemen who affect farmers’ growth.