Punjab to seek special agriculture package from Centre

Chandigarh, July 9

The Punjab Government will seek a special package for revival of agriculture sector from the Centre.

The proposal will be presented by Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian, who will meet Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday.

A package of Rs 3,100 crore would be sought from the Center for crop diversification. Even a price stabilisation fund would also be demanded for buying crops that do not sell on the MSP.

For effective stubble management, the state would ask for financial assistance to provide bonus along with minimum support price on crops to farmers. The state would also demand higher compensation for crop damage, besides loan waiver for farmers.

The demand for higher central contribution in agriculture sector would also be made. Khudian would also seek amendments in several schemes and projects under the overall package.