CHANDIGARH: Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday reaffirmed his government’s commitment to protecting farmers’ interests and making agriculture a modern and profitable profession, while underlining that Punjab’s precious water resources cannot be compromised. During farmers at the Kisan Mela at Punjab Agricultural University, he highlighted the expansion of canal irrigation to 88%, the laying of 14,000 km of underground pipelines, with another 7,000 km planned by year-end, and the resulting improvement in groundwater levels.
The Chief Minister said the government is strengthening PAU’s seed research, investing ₹1,300 crore in horticulture and ensuring ₹416 per quintal, the country’s highest sugarcane price, while calling on the Centre to provide remunerative MSP for alternative crops and financial support to farmers to end stubble burning. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann also assured that every single grain of farmers’ produce would be procured and lifted during KMS 2026.
Urging farmers to shun stubble burning, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that new equipment is being provided to farmers for both in-situ and ex-situ management of crop residue. “The Punjab government is encouraging farmers to adopt crop diversification and no stone is being left unturned for this noble cause. However, the Union Government must provide remunerative MSP for these crops. This will encourage farmers to diversify and help reduce pressure on Punjab’s natural resources,” he said.
