The Punjab government has introduced new schemes to improve agricultural research, water management, machinery testing, and marketing. Different directorates spearhead these initiatives and aim to enhance agricultural productivity, sustainability, and efficiency. Below are the details of these new schemes, including their objectives, gestation periods, and total costs.
Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (Directorate General Agriculture Research)
Establishment of the Centre of Excellence for Olive Research and Training (CEFORT) at BAARI, Chakwal
Gestation Period: 2018-19 to 2020-21
Total Cost: Rs. 300.000 million
The Centre of Excellence for Olive Research and Training (CEFORT) at BAARI, Chakwal, aims to promote olive cultivation and research in Punjab. This project focuses on developing advanced olive farming techniques, training farmers, and enhancing olive oil production. The establishment of CEFORT is expected to contribute significantly to the agricultural economy by introducing a new cash crop.
Directorate General Agriculture (Field)
Feasibility Study for Establishment of Agriculture Machinery Testing, Evaluation & Certification Centers in Punjab
Gestation Period: 2018-19 to 2020-21
Total Cost: Rs. 50.000 million
This project involves conducting a feasibility study to establish centers dedicated to testing, evaluating, and certifying agricultural machinery in Punjab. These centers will ensure that farmers have access to high-quality, efficient, and certified machinery, which will help improve farm productivity and reduce operational costs. The study will also explore these centers’ potential locations, infrastructure requirements, and financial viability.
Directorate General Agriculture (Water Management)
Reinvention of Cultivated Watercourses in Punjab (Phase I)
Gestation Period: 2017-18 to 2019-20
Total Cost: Rs. 1000.000 million
This project aims to rejuvenate and improve the existing watercourses in Punjab to ensure efficient water distribution and utilization. The reinvention of cultivated watercourses will involve lining and repairing water channels, installing advanced irrigation systems, and promoting water-saving techniques. This initiative is crucial for addressing water scarcity issues and enhancing agricultural productivity through better water management.
Transforming the Indus Basin into Climate-Resilient Agriculture and Climate-Smart Water Management
Gestation Period: 2018-19 to 2020-21
Total Cost: Rs. 825.000 million
This project transforms the Indus Basin into a climate-resilient agricultural hub by implementing climate-smart water management practices. The initiative aims to develop and promote sustainable farming techniques that can withstand the impacts of climate change. Critical components of this project include improving irrigation systems, adopting water-efficient practices, and training farmers on climate-resilient agriculture.
Directorate of Agricultural Marketing
Feasibility Study for Developing a Mechanism for Disbursement of Crop/Zone-Wise Targeted Subsidies
Gestation Period: 2018-19 to 2020-21
Total Cost: Rs. 200.000 million
This project involves conducting a feasibility study to develop a mechanism for disbursing targeted subsidies based on crop and zone. The objective is to ensure sustainable agricultural supplies and generate exportable surplus by providing financial support to farmers in a targeted and efficient manner. The study will explore the most effective ways to allocate subsidies, monitor their impact, and ensure transparency in the disbursement process.
Soil Survey of Punjab
Identification of Dominant Soil Series in Punjab and Capacity Building through Soil Surveys
Gestation Period: 2018-19 to 2020-21
Total Cost: Rs. 170.000 million
This project aims to identify the dominant soil series in Punjab and enhance the capacity for conducting soil surveys. Understanding the soil composition and mineralogical components is essential for improving soil management practices and agricultural productivity. The project will involve comprehensive soil surveys, data collection, and analysis to develop a detailed soil map of Punjab. Additionally, it will provide training and capacity-building opportunities for professionals in the field of soil science.
Detailed Guide to New Schemes 2024
Establishment of the Centre of Excellence for Olive Research and Training (CEFORT) at BAARI, Chakwal
The CEFORT project aims to:
- Promote olive cultivation by providing advanced farming techniques.
- Offer training programs to farmers on best practices in olive farming.
- Enhance olive oil production through research and development.
- Develop a robust supply chain for olive products.
- Increase the economic value of olive farming in Punjab.
Feasibility Study for Establishment of Agriculture Machinery Testing, Evaluation & Certification Centers in Punjab
This feasibility study will:
- Assess the current state of agricultural machinery in Punjab.
- Identify the need for machinery testing, evaluation, and certification centers.
- Determine the potential locations and infrastructure requirements for these centers.
- Evaluate the financial viability and sustainability of the proposed centers.
- Provide recommendations for the establishment and operation of the centers.
Reinvention of Cultivated Watercourses in Punjab (Phase I)
The watercourse reinvention project will:
- Improve water distribution efficiency by lining and repairing water channels.
- Promote advanced irrigation systems, such as drip and sprinkler irrigation.
- Implement water-saving techniques to address water scarcity issues.
- Enhance agricultural productivity by ensuring optimal water usage.
- Provide training to farmers on modern irrigation practices.
Transforming the Indus Basin into Climate-Resilient Agriculture and Climate-Smart Water Management
This project aims to:
- Develop and promote sustainable farming practices that can withstand climate change impacts.
- Improve irrigation systems to enhance water efficiency.
- Adopt water-efficient practices such as rainwater harvesting and soil moisture management.
- Provide training to farmers on climate-resilient agriculture techniques.
- Monitor and evaluate the impact of climate-smart practices on agricultural productivity.
Feasibility Study for Developing a Mechanism for Disbursement of Crop/Zone-Wise Targeted Subsidies
The feasibility study will:
- Assess the current subsidy disbursement mechanisms and identify their limitations.
- Develop a framework for targeted subsidy allocation based on crop and zone.
- Ensure transparency and efficiency in the subsidy disbursement process.
- Monitor the impact of subsidies on agricultural productivity and sustainability.
- Provide recommendations for the implementation and monitoring of the subsidy mechanism.
Identification of Dominant Soil Series in Punjab and Capacity Building through Soil Surveys
This project will:
- Conduct comprehensive soil surveys to identify the dominant soil series in Punjab.
- Analyze the mineralogical components of different soil types.
- Develop a detailed soil map of Punjab to guide soil management practices.
- Provide training and capacity-building opportunities for soil science professionals.
- Promote sustainable soil management practices to enhance agricultural productivity.
Here are the answers to 10 frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the new agricultural schemes introduced by the Punjab government:
FAQs about Punjab Government’s New Agricultural Schemes
1. What is the objective of the Centre of Excellence for Olive Research and Training (CEFORT) at BAARI, Chakwal?
The objective is to promote olive cultivation, train farmers on advanced techniques, enhance olive oil production, and develop a robust supply chain for olive products, thus increasing the economic value of olive farming in Punjab.
2. What will the feasibility study for establishing Agriculture Machinery Testing, Evaluation, and Certification Centers in Punjab involve?
The study will assess the current state of agricultural machinery, identify the need for testing and certification centers, determine potential locations and infrastructure requirements, evaluate financial viability, and provide recommendations for establishing and operating the centers.
3. What is the project’s aim in the Reinvention of Cultivated Watercourses in Punjab?
The project aims to improve water distribution efficiency by lining and repairing water channels, promoting advanced irrigation systems, implementing water-saving techniques, enhancing agricultural productivity, and training farmers on modern irrigation practices.
4. How will the project Transforming the Indus Basin into Climate-Resilient Agriculture and Climate-Smart Water Management benefit farmers?
The project will develop and promote sustainable farming practices, improve irrigation systems, adopt water-efficient practices like rainwater harvesting, provide training on climate-resilient agriculture techniques, and monitor the impact of climate-smart practices on agricultural productivity.
5. What is the purpose of the feasibility study for developing a mechanism for disbursing crop/zone-wise targeted subsidies?
The study aims to assess current subsidy disbursement mechanisms, develop a framework for targeted subsidy allocation, ensure transparency and efficiency in the disbursement process, monitor the impact on agricultural productivity, and provide recommendations for implementation and monitoring.
6. What will the project on the Identification of Dominant Soil Series in Punjab and Capacity Building through Soil Surveys entail?
The project involves conducting comprehensive soil surveys, analyzing the mineralogical components of different soils, developing a detailed soil map of Punjab, providing training for soil science professionals, and promoting sustainable soil management practices to enhance agricultural productivity.
7. What is the total cost and gestation period for the CEFORT project?
The total cost is Rs. 300.000 million, and the gestation period is from 2018-19 to 2020-21.
8. How will the Reinvention of Cultivated Watercourses in Punjab (Phase I) address water scarcity?
The project will line and repair water channels, promote advanced irrigation systems like drip and sprinkler irrigation, and implement water-saving techniques to ensure optimal water usage and address water scarcity issues.
9. What are the project’s key features, which aim to transform the Indus Basin into a climate-resilient agricultural hub?
Key features include improving irrigation systems, adopting water-efficient practices, providing training on climate-resilient agriculture, and monitoring the impact of these practices on agricultural productivity.
10. How will the new schemes introduced by the Punjab government improve agricultural productivity and sustainability?
The schemes promote advanced farming techniques, efficient water management, machinery testing and certification, targeted financial support, and sustainable soil management practices, collectively enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability in Punjab.
Conclusion
These new agricultural schemes introduced by the Punjab government aim to improve research, water management, machinery testing, marketing, and soil management in the farming sector. Each project has specific objectives, timelines, and financial allocations to ensure the successful implementation and sustainability of the initiatives. By promoting advanced farming techniques, efficient water management, and targeted financial support, these schemes are expected to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability in Punjab significantly.
See a list of all govt schemes 2024 at the link.