Punjab Agriculture Policy 2018

The present government is focused on developing this sector and has initiated numerous measures towards farmer-oriented finance opportunities and higher productivity through market reforms and regulation. Consistent efforts will continue in crop diversification, efficient use of water, and promotion of high-value crops, including biotechnology. The ultimate aim is to maintain continuous growth of the agriculture sector through high performance. The Government of Punjab is committed to the formulation of relevant mechanisms and monitoring and evaluation of the same across the whole province at the maximum possible level. Several structural policy changes have been made in the agriculture sector to incentivize the sector, decrease input costs, and increase profitability margins for farmers. Innovation and creativity are driving forces behind producing breakthroughs in technology-induced agriculture, and investing in training, information sharing, and research makes agriculture globally competitive. The policy aims to put forward available human resources to sustainable and productive use, with a motto to include all farmers across Punjab, whether landowners or landless, in the mainstream of the economic cycle. The policy proposes to ensure inclusive growth by increasing the level of targeted assistance for small commercial farmers, rural women, and rural youth. A number of reforms are proposed in the legal and regulatory frameworks governing the agriculture produce markets, including reconstitution of Market Committees and attracting private-sector investment in the operation of wholesale markets. The Government promises to phase out unproductive and inefficient subsidies in agriculture and target productive ones towards small commercial farmers through cash transfers. Government funds will be utilized optimally, with full benefits reaching the intended beneficiaries. The policy also recommends diverting ample funds to high-priority areas, including agriculture research and technology for sustainable increase in yields, promotion of high-value and climate-smart agriculture, and incentives for private sector development of efficient agriculture produce markets. The policy has been achieved through exhaustive stakeholder consultations, and it will enable the Government of Punjab to walk the path of sustainable growth and development in agriculture. The policy will ensure inclusive growth by increasing the level of targeted assistance for small commercial farmers, rural women, and rural youth. The reforms proposed in the policy will pave the way for the private sector to operate in a fair and free manner for the benefit of the entire value chain, including farmers and consumers alike. The policy focuses on increasing the level of targeted assistance for small commercial farmers, rural women, and rural youth. This will be achieved through a number of reforms, including reconstitution of Market Committees and attracting private-sector investment in the operation of wholesale markets. The policy also recommends diverting ample funds to high-priority areas, including agriculture research and technology for sustainable increase in yields, promotion of high-value and climate-smart agriculture, and incentives for private sector development of efficient agriculture produce markets.