New Delhi: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday held a meeting with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann in the national capital, where both leaders discussed crop diversification and several issues related to farmers and the state.
After the meeting, Chouhan thanked the Punjab Chief Minister and praised the contribution of the state towards the country.
“I extend a heartfelt thanks to Punjab’s CM. We take immense pride in Punjab, the state that is always the first to face and withstand every crisis that befalls the nation, and I pay my humble respects to the great people of Punjab,” Chouhan said.
The Union Minister said the discussions were “very constructive” and focused particularly on crop diversification, an issue that has remained a key concern for Punjab due to its heavy dependence on wheat and paddy cultivation.
“Specifically regarding crop diversification, we have decided that the Centre and Punjab will work together in collaboration,” he said.
Chouhan added that the Centre also discussed other demands raised by Punjab and assured support to the state and its farmers.
“We also held detailed discussions regarding Punjab’s other demands. Both in the past and in the present, we will extend our full support, with all our strength, to meet whatever needs the farmers and the state of Punjab may have,” he said.
The meeting assumes significance amid ongoing debates over agricultural reforms, groundwater depletion and the need to shift towards alternative crops in Punjab.
