Punjab’s Green Revolution 2.0 promotes sustainable agriculture through organic farming incentives. The state targets 5 lakh acres for Direct Sowing of Rice (DSR) with Rs 1,500/acre aid, alongside the Green Tractors Scheme distributing 20,000 subsidized tractors. These initiatives aim to reduce chemical use, conserve groundwater, and enhance farmer profitability, aligning with Punjab’s vision for eco-friendly, mechanized farming.
Punjab Pioneers Sustainable Agriculture with Organic Incentives and Mechanization
In a significant push towards sustainable agriculture, Punjab is spearheading what is being termed the “Green Revolution 2.0,” focusing on organic farming and modernized agricultural practices. The state government, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has rolled out ambitious schemes to incentivize eco-friendly farming methods and provide farmers with critical resources to boost productivity while addressing environmental concerns.
One of the flagship initiatives is the promotion of the Direct Sowing of Rice (DSR) technique, which allows farmers to cultivate paddy without the water-intensive process of transplanting. The Punjab government has set a target of bringing 5 lakh acres under DSR during the Kharif season of 2025, with a financial incentive of Rs 1,500 per acre for farmers adopting this method. A budgetary allocation of Rs 40 crore has been made for the fiscal year 2025-26 to support this initiative. Farmers, including those growing Basmati, can register for the scheme on the online portal agrimachinerypb.com between May 10 and June 30, 2025. Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian emphasized the eco-friendly nature of DSR, noting its potential to conserve groundwater, a critical issue in Punjab where overexploitation of aquifers has raised alarms about desertification.
Complementing the DSR initiative, the Punjab Agriculture Policy 2023 advocates for crop diversification and organic farming to address the state’s agrarian crisis. The policy supports organic farming initiatives and proposes interventions like a price stabilization fund for Basmati through Markfed. It also recommends water-saving technologies, such as alternate wetting and drying, which can reduce water usage in paddy cultivation by 30-40%. Despite its comprehensive approach, the policy has faced delays in implementation, with critics pointing to bureaucratic hurdles. Farmer unions, including the Bhartiya Kisan Union (Ugrahan), have endorsed the policy but are pressing for faster action.
Another cornerstone of Punjab’s agricultural transformation is the Chief Minister Punjab Green Tractors Scheme 2025. Launched in two phases, the scheme aims to distribute 20,000 subsidized tractors to small and medium-scale farmers to modernize farming practices. Phase 1, initiated in October 2024, provided 9,500 tractors with a subsidy of up to Rs 1 million per tractor. Phase 2, set to begin in July 2025, will offer subsidies of up to Rs 10 lakh per tractor, targeting farmers owning 1 to 50 acres of verified farmland. The scheme is designed to reduce input costs, enhance crop yields, and promote mechanized farming, which officials say will improve food security and the economic well-being of rural communities. Farmers can apply through the Punjab Agriculture Department’s website, agripunjab.gov.pk, or contact the helpline 0800-17000 for assistance.
Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) is also contributing to the Green Revolution 2.0 by promoting sustainable practices. A notable innovation is the development of bioenzymes made from citrus peels through anaerobic fermentation. These organic cleaners serve as eco-friendly alternatives to chemical agents, reducing environmental damage and supporting natural ecosystems. Dr. Urmila Gupta, Head of PAU’s Department of Microbiology, described bioenzymes as a “game-changer” for sustainable agriculture and household use.
The state’s efforts align with national schemes like the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), which provides Rs 31,500 per hectare over three years to support organic farming clusters. Punjab is also exploring crop diversification, with Chief Minister Mann urging the central government to offer Rs 17,500 per hectare for maize to replace water-intensive paddy. This move aims to address the declining groundwater table and reduce reliance on chemical-heavy farming practices that have degraded soil health since the original Green Revolution of the 1960s.
However, challenges remain. Recent reports highlight fertilizer shortages affecting farmers, with opposition leader Rahul Gandhi criticizing the central government for failing to address the issue, particularly in light of disrupted specialty fertilizer supplies from China. Additionally, heavy rainfall in parts of India has led to crop losses, underscoring the need for resilient farming practices like those promoted under Punjab’s initiatives.
By combining financial incentives, mechanization, and eco-friendly techniques, Punjab’s Green Revolution 2.0 seeks to create a sustainable, profitable, and resilient agricultural sector. The state’s proactive measures could serve as a model for other regions grappling with similar environmental and economic challenges.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news reports, official statements from the Punjab government, and insights from agricultural experts. Information has been sourced from reliable publications, including The Indian Express, The Hindu, and other verified outlets. Readers are advised to verify details with official sources like the Punjab Agriculture Department for the latest updates on schemes and eligibility criteria.