Budget’s agri push a gain for Punjab: BJP state unit prez

Tribune News Service

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Mohali, August 2
The Punjab BJP vice president Subhash Sharma and BJP district vice president Sanjeev Vashisht today listed out the provisions of the Union Budget beneficial to Punjab. The BJP leaders said the enormous agriculture push and the sops for leather industry are a big boost to the state.
“The entire focus of the government in natural farming is going to be in favour of Punjab as the state is battling with pesticide and fertilizer over use. The natural farming is going to help alleviate the plunging water table in the state. The Union Budget’s focus on boosting agricultural productivity and resilience, simplifying FDI regulations, and supporting MSMEs is set to significantly benefit Punjab. Investments in infrastructure and renewable energy will further enhance connectivity and energy stability, driving sustainable development and improving quality of life across the state,” Subhash said.
The BJP leaders said the development of large-scale vegetable production clusters near major consumption centres is going to be gamechanger. Through promoting FPOs, cooperatives, and startups, vegetable farmers in Punjab will benefit significantly, particularly those near areas like Rupnagar, Barnala and Ludhiana where demand is the highest.
The Finance Minister’s three-year Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) plan will start with a digital crop survey in 400 districts this year. This will help Punjab’s farmers by digitising crop records and easing credit access through improved Kisan Credit Cards. The government allocated a fund of Rs 598 crore in the Union Budget 2024-25 for the eco-friendly sustainable agriculture project which will help Punjab shift from excessive use of fertilisers, pesticides and large machinery to more environment friendly practices. In FY 2024-25, Punjab received a total of Rs 22,537.11 crore, 1.807% from the distribution of net proceeds of Union taxes and duties. “Punjab has also benefited from Special Assistance for Capital Expenditure /Investment provided under the Budget, securing more than Rs 1,319 crore between 2020 and 2023. Additional assistance of Rs 10,917 crore was provided during the Covid (2020-21). With the support for interest free-loans for capital expenditure by states under this Budget, Punjab will continue to benefit from the support extended by the NDA government, said Sanjeev Vashisht, adding that the Finance Minister’s mission in pulses and oilseeds will benefit Punjab, an oilseed producer of gobhi sarson, canola sarson and taramira mustard, groundnut, sesame, soybean,and sunflower. Activities like PM Vishwakarma Yojana will help a state like Punjab to include craftsmen and artisans with expertise such as Brass and Copper utensil makers of Jandiala Guru, Phulkari embroidery karigars and makers of the world famous juttis, he said.