Centre, Punjab Hold Key Talks on Crop Diversification
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan meets Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann in Delhi, fruitful discussion on several key issues
- Shivraj Singh Chouhan meets Bhagwant Mann in Delhi
- Talks held on crop diversification and water conservation
- Centre promises support for Punjab farmers and agriculture
- Punjab targets procurement of 125 lakh metric tonnes wheat
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 13th May: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday met Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann in New Delhi and discussed key issues related to agriculture, crop diversification and farmer welfare in the state.
The high-level meeting focused on paddy milling challenges, water conservation, sustainable farming and promotion of oilseeds, pulses, cotton and horticulture cultivation in Punjab.
Addressing the media after the meeting, Chouhan described Punjab as the pioneer of India’s Green Revolution and praised the contribution of the state’s farmers to national food security.
Focus on Crop Diversification
The Union Minister said the Centre and Punjab government would work together to promote crop diversification and reduce pressure on groundwater resources.
He said the Central Government would provide full support under various missions related to cotton, pulses, oilseeds and horticulture to strengthen Punjab’s agriculture sector.
Chouhan stressed the need to protect Punjab’s fertile land and conserve water resources through sustainable farming practices.
He also highlighted the importance of balanced fertiliser use for maintaining soil health and improving agricultural resilience against climate change.
Centre Assures Full Support
“The Central Government will walk shoulder-to-shoulder with Punjab,” Chouhan said while assuring assistance under agriculture, irrigation and farmer welfare schemes.
He added that the Centre would ensure farmers did not suffer losses because of crop diversification initiatives.
The Union Minister also said the Punjab government’s proposal to include a state representative in the Central Seed Committee would be considered.
Punjab Confident on Wheat Procurement
Bhagwant Mann said Punjab was on track to achieve its wheat procurement target for the current season.
The Chief Minister said the state would procure 125 lakh metric tonnes of wheat and continue playing a leading role in the country’s foodgrain production.
Officials said both governments agreed to continue coordinated efforts for sustainable agriculture development and farmer welfare in Punjab.
