Chandigarh: Punjab Agriculture Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal held a high-level review meeting regarding the new agricultural policy of the state at Punjab Bhawan here on Thursday.
He discussed all aspects of the new agriculture policy with the team of top officials and experts of the agriculture sector.
Eminent agronomists Dr. Gurdev Singh Khush and Dr. BS Gill specially attended the meeting. Dr. Khush is an expert in developing rice varieties and Dr. Gill has extensive experience in developing wheat varieties and both scientists are renowned globally.
Speaking to reporters, Dhaliwal said that the state government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is working diligently on the new agriculture policy to make agriculture profitable.
He said that after Independence, no government has focused on the welfare of farmers, especially on making agriculture a profitable occupation.
He said that today on the martyrdom day of Bhagat Singh and his companions, they took an oath that no stone will be left unturned to build the Punjab of Bhagat Singh's dreams. He reiterated his commitment to make the state 'Rangla Punjab'.
The Agriculture Minister said that such a system will be created in the state so that the youngsters won't migrate to foreign countries. On this occasion, he also appealed to the people to send their suggestions regarding the new agricultural policy by March 31.
He said that any Punjab resident can send their suggestions on WhatsApp number 75080-18998 or phone number 0172-2969340 or email farmercomm@punjabmail.gov.in. Apart from this, suggestions can also be sent by letter to the address of Punjab State Farmers Commission, Airport Road, Mohali.
He said that the Punjab government stands with the farmers and it is their responsibility to come up with good, solid and meaningful policies for the agriculture of the state.
Dhaliwal hoped that the people of Punjab could get a new agricultural policy by the end of June this year. He said that the new agricultural policy is being prepared to keep in mind the geographical situation of Punjab, soil health, and availability of crops and water. Moreover, people's suggestions will also be considered, he added.
Dhaliwal expressed concern that due to the irresponsible attitude and wrong policies of the previous governments, Punjab's clean water, clean air and environment and healthy fertile land are now turning into polluted water, poisonous air and non-fertile land.
He said that this phenomenon will now be changed with clear policy and intention.He said that agriculture is not just a business, it is an issue related to life. The agriculture minister stressed the need to eradicate the insecurity in agriculture and said that the state government will move forward with the support of all in the direction of saving agriculture.
Keeping Punjab's crops, water and soil and environment at the center, he said that the state government is making all possible efforts to make the agriculture a lucrative sector by taking valuable suggestions from agricultural experts, agronomists and others.