In a key move toward administrative improvement and strengthening the state’s horticulture sector, the Punjab Government under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has amended the Punjab Horticulture (Group A) Service Rules, 2015. This significant reform was driven by Horticulture Minister Mohinder Bhagat, who has been a vocal advocate for improving working conditions for officers in the horticulture department.
Welcoming the new notification, Minister Bhagat said, “This amendment marks a crucial reform that will boost morale and fairness among our dedicated officers. I sincerely thank Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann for supporting this initiative, which will enhance efficiency and motivation within the sector.”
He explained that according to Notification No. G.S.R.106/Const/Art.309/Amd.(3)/2025, dated July 2, 2025, and published in the Punjab Government Gazette (Extraordinary) on July 4, 2025, the revised rules aim to streamline and standardize the pay structure for Horticulture Development Officers and Sericulture Officers. This long-awaited amendment aligns their pay scales with the 7th Central Pay Commission and clarifies service-related matters.
The updated rules apply to a wide range of specializations in the horticulture cadre, including Protected Cultivation, Biotechnology, Beekeeping, Market Intelligence, Aeroponics, Nursery and Citrus Production, Training, Post-Harvest Management, Mushroom Cultivation, Entomology, Pathology, Soil Science, and Sericulture. These changes will ensure uniformity in pay and service conditions for officers appointed on or after July 17, 2020.
Bhagat also noted that Punjab is making fast progress in crop diversification and value addition through horticulture, adding, “An efficient and motivated cadre is crucial to support farmers and introduce innovation across the sector.”
The Gazette notification issued by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (Agriculture-4 Branch) also provides detailed provisions regarding promotions and the implementation of the new pay structure, ensuring greater transparency and long-term consistency in service conditions.