Shivraj Singh Chouhan Meets Punjab CM To Discuss Agriculture Reforms

New Delhi, May 14 (KNN) Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan held a meeting with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann in New Delhi to discuss issues related to agriculture, farmer welfare and sustainable farming in Punjab.

The discussions focused on paddy milling, promotion of crop diversification, conservation of water resources and expansion of oilseed, pulses, cotton and horticulture cultivation in the state.

Addressing the media after the meeting, Chouhan said Punjab has played a historic role in strengthening India’s food security and continues to remain a major contributor to national foodgrain production. He assured that the central government would extend full support to Punjab under various agriculture and farmer welfare missions.

The Union Minister said the Centre and the Punjab government would work together to promote crop diversification and sustainable agricultural practices to protect soil health and conserve groundwater resources in the state.

He added that the Government of India’s schemes related to cotton, pulses, oilseeds and horticulture would be utilised to strengthen Punjab’s agriculture sector while ensuring that farmers do not face financial losses during the transition towards diversified cropping patterns.

Chouhan also highlighted the need for balanced use of fertilisers to maintain soil productivity and improve long-term agricultural sustainability.

Punjab Chief Minister Mann said the state is on track to achieve its wheat procurement target of 125 lakh metric tonnes during the current season and would continue to play a leading role in national foodgrain production.

During the meeting, the Punjab government also raised issues related to additional financial support and representation in the Central Seed Committee. 

Chouhan said the Centre would continue supporting Punjab through various agriculture, irrigation and farmer welfare programmes and assured that the proposal regarding representation in the Central Seed Committee would be considered.

(KNN Bureau)