26 October 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : The Punjab government has announced a ₹50-crore wheat seed subsidy scheme to help farmers purchase certified seeds at reduced prices ahead of the upcoming sowing season. Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian announced the initiative on Sunday, October 25, saying it aims to reduce farmers’ input costs and improve access to quality wheat seeds across the state.
Under the scheme, certified wheat seeds priced at ₹4,250 per quintal will be available to eligible farmers for ₹2,250 per quintal after the subsidy is adjusted at the time of purchase. The government will provide assistance of up to 50 per cent of the seed cost, subject to a maximum of ₹2,000 per hectare, whichever is lower.
The Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department has projected district-wise requirements to cover 2,42,218 beneficiaries. The total proposed financial allocation for the initiative is ₹50 crore.
Khudian said the scheme is intended to make certified wheat seeds more affordable while encouraging farmers to use varieties recommended by agricultural research institutions. Quality seeds are an important input for crop establishment and can help farmers make informed decisions about their wheat cultivation.
Certified Seeds to Be Available at Subsidised Rates
The subsidy will apply only to certified wheat varieties recommended by Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, and notified by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) or the Punjab government. Eligible varieties must meet the prescribed age limit of no more than 10 years.
The restriction is intended to ensure that subsidised seeds meet the approved standards and come from eligible varieties. Farmers have been advised to check the approved varieties and the applicable conditions before purchasing seeds under the programme.
The minister said agencies responsible for seed multiplication would be held accountable for maintaining quality. Complaints relating to seed quality will be addressed by the concerned nodal agencies, according to the government’s announcement.
How Farmers Can Apply for the Scheme
Farmers seeking assistance will need to approach their respective district or block agriculture offices and follow the prescribed application process. They should carry their Aadhaar cards and apply through the designated portal, www.agrimachinerypb.com.
Applicants’ identities will be verified through an OTP sent to the mobile number linked to their Aadhaar. Farmers should ensure that their Aadhaar details and linked mobile numbers are accessible before beginning the application process.
The department has established district-wise and block-wise targets for distributing the subsidy. Assistance will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to the applicable targets and availability.
Farmers are advised to confirm their eligibility, approved seed varieties and local allocation with their agriculture office before making a purchase. They should also follow official departmental instructions and avoid relying on unofficial messages or intermediaries promising guaranteed approval.
Measures to Ensure Transparency
The government has outlined several safeguards to prevent misuse of funds and improve transparency in the distribution process. These include maintaining complete beneficiary records, recording seed quantities and subsidy amounts, and carrying out random verification checks.
A two-year cooling-off period for beneficiaries will also apply in accordance with Government of India guidelines. The department will verify details relating to beneficiaries, the quantity of seed supplied and the amount of subsidy before final approval.
Officials responsible for implementing the scheme at district and block levels will be required to maintain the relevant records. The verification process is intended to ensure that public funds reach eligible farmers and that subsidised seeds are distributed according to the prescribed rules.
The government has also emphasised the role of nodal agencies in maintaining seed quality. Farmers who face quality-related problems can raise complaints with the agency concerned.
Scheme to Support Wheat Sowing
The announcement comes ahead of the wheat sowing season, when farmers make decisions about seed purchases and other agricultural inputs. Certified seeds can represent a significant expense, particularly for farmers purchasing larger quantities for their fields.
By reducing the purchase price through an upfront subsidy, the scheme aims to lower this initial financial burden. Eligible farmers will pay the subsidised price at the time of purchase rather than paying the full listed price and subsequently seeking reimbursement, according to the announced arrangement.
The initiative will be implemented under the Seed Component of the National Food Security and Nutrition Mission (NFSNM), which operates under the Krishonnati Yojana.
The proposed coverage of more than 2.42 lakh farmers reflects the department’s planned reach for the programme. Actual assistance will depend on eligibility, the prescribed subsidy limits and the district- and block-level targets.
Khudian said the government was committed to helping farmers access quality agricultural inputs while maintaining accountability in the use of public funds.
Farmers planning to benefit from the scheme should contact their local agriculture offices for the latest application instructions and availability. They should check the conditions carefully, particularly the subsidy ceiling, approved seed varieties and beneficiary eligibility requirements.
With a proposed outlay of ₹50 crore, the programme is intended to make certified wheat seeds more affordable for eligible farmers across Punjab before the next wheat crop is sown.