Punjab Govt Finalises Rs 1,388-Crore Agriculture Action Plan for FY27

The Punjab government has approved an annual action plan of Rs 1,388 crore for the Agriculture Department to implement various projects in the financial year 2026-27, Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian said on Monday. The plan has been submitted to the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare for approval.

The strategy focuses on crop residue management, water conservation, crop diversification, and natural farming , aiming to make agriculture in the state more sustainable, efficient, and profitable .

The largest allocation of Rs 600 crore has been earmarked under the Crop Residue Management (CRM) scheme to combat farm fires and stubble burning. Machinery will be provided to farmers at subsidised rates to ensure both in-situ and ex-situ solutions.

To address depleting groundwater levels , Rs 33.33 crore will support the ‘Per Drop More Crop’ initiative , promoting efficient irrigation technologies such as drips, sprinklers, and rain guns.

Other allocations include Rs 51.85 crore for seed improvement and cotton demonstration projects , and Rs 95 crore under the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAM) to improve farm productivity. Rs 50.30 crore has been set aside for crop diversification, encouraging farmers to shift from water-intensive paddy to maize, pulses, and oilseeds .

In line with national priorities for chemical-free agriculture , Rs 8.25 crore is proposed to promote natural farming practices , supporting both environmental sustainability and long-term soil health .

Khudian emphasised that the plan is designed to boost farmers’ income, enhance efficiency, and protect natural resources , while addressing pressing issues such as stubble burning and water scarcity.