Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Bhagwant Mann Hold Key Talks in Delhi

Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan met Punjab Chief Minister Shri Bhagwant Mann in New Delhi on Tuesday.

During the meeting, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan held discussions with Shri Bhagwant Mann on various issues related to agriculture and farmer welfare in Punjab. The high-level discussion focused in detail on problems being faced in paddy milling, promotion of crop diversification, conservation of water resources, and sustainable agricultural development through oilseed, pulse, cotton and horticulture missions.

Addressing the media after the meeting, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said Punjab has played a historic role in strengthening the country’s food security and continues to remain India’s food bowl. Praising the contribution of Punjab’s farmers to national foodgrain production, he assured that the Central Government would extend full support to the state in all agriculture-related missions.

The Union Minister assured that the Centre would provide every possible assistance to Punjab in all initiatives related to agriculture and water conservation. He said the benefits of the Government of India’s cotton, pulses, oilseed and horticulture missions, along with other schemes, would be utilised to strengthen Punjab’s agriculture sector and ensure the welfare of farmers.

He said the Central Government and the Punjab government would work together to promote crop diversification, conserve water resources and ensure sustainable agricultural development in the state. Punjab’s fertile land has immense agricultural potential, but there is also a need to pay special attention to water conservation and sustainable farming practices.

Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the Centre would work together with Punjab to ensure that farmers do not suffer losses due to crop diversification, water resources are protected, soil health improves and agriculture becomes more resilient to the effects of climate change. He also said there is no shortage of fertilisers in the country, but balanced use of fertilisers is necessary to maintain soil health.

Shri Bhagwant Mann said Punjab would successfully achieve the wheat procurement target fixed for the current season. He said the state would meet the target of procuring 125 lakh metric tonnes of wheat and continue to lead the country in foodgrain production.

Responding to questions regarding Punjab’s demand for additional financial assistance, the Union Minister said the Central Government would continue supporting the state through various agriculture, irrigation and farmer welfare missions. Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan also assured that the proposal of the Punjab government to include a Punjab representative in the Central Seed Committee would be considered.