SOWING HOPE: PUNJAB GOVT TO DISTRIBUTE 2 LAKH QUINTALS OF FREE WHEAT SEEDS TO FLOOD-HIT FARMERS
- ₹74-CR initiative to cover 5lakh acres of flood affected land to revive farming livelihood, says Gurmeet Singh Khudian
- Over 60K quintals of wheat seeds to be available on 50% subsidy for all farmers across Punjab: Agriculture Minister
Chandigarh, September 25:
In a heartening move to give hope and support farmers devastated by recent floods, the Punjab Government will distribute two lakh quintals of high-quality wheat seeds free of cost to affected farmers for the upcoming Rabi season.
This announcement was made today by Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian, while addressing a press conference here at Punjab Bhawan. Dr. Basant Garg, Administrative Secretary of Agriculture department was also present in the press conference.
He stated that this substantial aid, valued at approximately Rs. 74 crores, is aimed at covering the sowing needs for nearly 5 lakh acres of agricultural land that suffered extensive damage due to heavy rains and unprecedented floods during Kharif season 2025. Widespread floods across multiple districts in Punjab led to catastrophic losses, destroying standing crops of paddy, cotton and maize, and leaving countless farmers in dire straits.
- Gurmeet Singh Khudian, further informed that PUNSEED will be the nodal agency responsible for distributing high-quality wheat seeds free of cost to flood-affected farmers. The free wheat seeds distribution process will be published soon through leading media. He said that Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) recommended wheat seeds including PBW 826, PBW 869, PBW 824, PBW 803, PBW 766, PBW 725, PBW 677, PBW 771, PBW 757, PBW 752, PBW ZINC 2, PBW 1 CHAPATI, PBW 1 ZN, DBW 222, DBW 187, HD 3226, HD 3086, UNNAT PBW 343, UNNAT PBW 550- will be distributed to the farmers.
Apart from the free wheat seeds distribution, CM Mann led Punjab government will also provide 60,871 quintals of quality wheat seeds to farmers across the state at a 50% subsidy, priced at ₹2,000 per quintal. This initiative aims to further support farmers, making quality seeds more affordable and accessible.
Reaffirming Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s unwavering solidarity with the farming community, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian said, “Our farmers face nature’s fury, it is our duty to stand with them. The loss of their Kharif crops has left many helpless and anxious about the next season. By providing free wheat seeds, we are not just giving them a resource; we are giving them hope and the means to begin anew.” This support underscores the state government’s commitment to ensuring that no farmer is unable to sow the next crop due to financial hardship caused by the floods, he added.
The Agriculture Minister said that the devastating floods have crippled the agricultural economy, with many farmers lacking the resources to purchase seeds for the Rabi season. The Punjab government’s intervention is designed to directly address this challenge, enabling farmers to prepare their land and sow wheat without the burden of additional cost, thereby securing food production and their livelihoods.
- Gurmeet Singh Khudian, further informed that Uttar Pradesh’s Agriculture Minister, Mr. S.P. Shahi, has generously offered to send 1,000 quintals of wheat seeds (variety 327) to support Punjab’s flood-affected farmers.
