Bhagwant Mann Meets Shivraj Singh Chouhan - Punjab's Water Crisis, Crop Diversification and Farmers' Future Take Centre Stage
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann called on Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday. This was a significant meet regarding Punjab's farmers, water conservation, crop diversification and the future of agriculture. Shivraj Singh Chouhan expressed that central govt would be standing beside the farmers and will work out concrete plan for their welfare.
Union Agriculture Minister said that Punjab is not a mere state but a pillar of food security of the nation. Saluting the pride of Punjab ,he said if any one faced first heat of crisis of the country, it is Punjab and a symbol of proud and glory of the nation.
"Many discussions were positive:" Chauhan
Shivraj Singh Chouhan also mentioned that meeting was full of very positive discussion on multiple issues but mainly important discussion was regarding crop diversification. "Soil of the Punjab is so much fertile and fertile that many crops would be successful alternatives to rice. Need of the hour is to make aggressive efforts to propagate alternatives of rice based farming and save Punjab from water scarcity and soil erosion."
The Union Minister clearly added that the water rich land of 5 rivers should remain water rich and need of the moment is to make strong efforts towards water conservation. He said with strong conviction, that in this matter, between the central government and the Punjab government, there is a large scale consensus and will move ahead together.
Center-Punjab to work together: Chauhan
Shivraj Singh told that be it Cotton Mission, Pulses Mission, Oilseeds Mission or horticulture, all efforts will be made together for the farmers. Under the vision of PM Narendra Modi, there is a crystal clear vision to promote the crop diversification as not a burden on farmers but an opportunity and provide system that neither will let farmers go down to losses nor they will lack behind from earning benefit through new crops, saving water and land and can tackle challenges of climate change with the help of their new skills.
All other demands raised by Punjab was discussed in the meet thoroughly and Union Minister assured to the Punjab CM that Center has always stood by the farmers and they will support each and every support required for the state and the farmers.
Pledge for shared vision
He expressed that agriculture in future should not only be increase in production but also should be the conservation of water, land, farmers and future. And in this endeavor, Punjab could be leading the agriculture to newer heights, and in the meantime the Union government will stand along with it. He said this meet was not about just discussing some demand or issues but of moving ahead with a strong vision together.
