<h1>Centre approves Rs1,600 crore relief, seed aid and Rs222 crore PM-Kisan advance; urges state to rejoin crop insurance</h1> The central government released Rs 74 crore for free distribution of wheat seeds and approved funds for mustard and other seeds to compensate flood-affected farmers in Punjab, advanced Rs 222 crore under PM-Kisan to 11.09 lakh beneficiaries, and sanctioned a Rs 1,600 crore relief package including Rs 1.60 lakh per family for reconstruction of 36,703 houses (Rs 1.20 lakh for construction, Rs 40,000 for labour and toilet facilities). Additional MIDH assistance for horticulture was promised. The Union Agriculture Minister urged the state government to rejoin the national crop insurance scheme, noting further central funds are contingent on the state's submission of a detailed memorandum under federal procedures.