Bathinda, June 30 -- The Punjab government's initiative to encourage cotton cultivation by offering a 33% subsidy on seeds doesn't seem to be attracting farmers, with enrolments for the scheme dropping 63% from last year.

According to the state agriculture department, just 19,000 farmers registered with the authorities this year compared to 52,000 in 2025 - a drop attributed primarily to pest attacks and unfavourable weather conditions since 2021, which caused widespread damage to the cotton crop.

To boost the morale of the farming community, the Punjab government started granting a 33% subsidy on certified BT cotton hybrids and desi cotton seed varieties recommended by Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) in 2023. Subsidy is capped at ...