The present study was undertaken to analyze the fruit growers' perceptions toward government subsidies and constraints faced while availing the government subsidies. The study was conducted among the fruit growers of Ludhiana District of Punjab. The study points out that rate of subsidy, lack of information about prevalent subsidies, and long documentation procedure are the major factors, that influence the decision regarding availing of subsidies. Also, it is found that low awareness, lack of orientation programs and non-proximity to sanctioning authority's office are the major constraints faced by the fruit growers while availing government subsidies. The present study suggests certain measures to remove these constraints, in order to make the government programs a success.

India is a country with majority of its population residing in rural areas and engaged in agriculture. The Green Revolution technologies and use of fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides, etc., made the country self-sufficient in food grain production through tremendous increase in productivity of cereals mainly rice and wheat. But at the same time, this has caused severe energy crisis and adverse impact on environment and human health. Thus, it is the need of the hour to diversify some areas from cereals to other crops production, like horticulture crops. The importance of horticulture in improving the productivity of land, generating employment, improving economic conditions of the farmers and entrepreneurs, enhancing exports and, above all, providing nutritional security to the people, is widely acknowledged. Horticulture sector, which includes fruits, vegetables, spices, floriculture, and coconut, covered 18.6 million ha area with production of 178.1 million tons during 2005-06, and the sector accounted for 28% of GDP from agriculture. India is the second largest fruit and vegetable producer in the world, with about 10% of the global production (Economic Survey 2005-06).

The Government of India has also paid due attention on the overall development of horticulture in the country by constituting the National Horticulture Board (NHB) in 1984. This board has launched several missions, viz., National Horticulture Mission, National Bamboo Mission, and Horticulture Technology Mission. National Horticulture Mission (NHM) was started in 18 states of the country. The changing scenario encourages hi-tech horticulture with micro-propagation, drip irrigation, and integrated pest management, besides making use of the latest post-harvest measures particularly in the case of perishable commodities. As a result, horticultural crops production has moved from rural confines to commercial ventures and has attracted youth since it has proved to be intellectually satisfying and economically rewarding (Business Line, 2001).

Agricultural Economics Journal, Government Subsidies, Fruit Growers, Government Programs, Green Revolution Technologies, Food Grain Production, Horticulture Sector, Global Production, National Horticulture Mission, Rural Development, Grain Marketing, Global Market, Government Agencies.