Current Affairs - Agriculture - Discussion

Punjab has experienced a significant 20% rise in cotton cultivation in 2025, expanding from 2.49 lakh acres to 2.98 lakh acres—an increase of over 49,000 acres. This growth is part of the state's broader effort to diversify crops and reduce reliance on paddy. Districts such as Fazilka, Mansa, Bathinda, and Sri Muktsar Sahib have led the increase, supported by government measures like a 33% subsidy on cotton seeds and mandatory digital registration for farmers. The initiative aims to promote sustainable agricultural practices and improve the state’s ecological balance by reducing water-intensive crops.