‘Punjab vision 2047’ conclave: Centre should incentivise farmers for managing crop residue, says Mann

“In Punjab, we have rich land, blessings of Gurus, inspiration from martyrs and hardworking people who are also global residents. So, we have everything required for success. The only need is to join forces,” said Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann while addressing the audience on the last day of ‘Punjab Vision 2047”, a two-day conclave organised by the World Punjabi Organisation in association with the Punjab Development Commission and Panjab University here today.

“The state government is making all-out efforts, but we are not getting the funds we deserve from the Centre, whether it’s Rural Development Fund or under the National Health Mission,” he added.

On the issue of air pollution, Mann said the Central Government was ignoring the problem by not incentivising farmers. “We had already submitted that the Centre should either allocate Rs 2,000 per acre to farmers to manage paddy straw or offer support price and procurement for alternative crops like maize, bajra and moong, so that farmers are able to make as much profit as they make from paddy,” he pointed out.

Rajya Sabha MP and organiser of the conclave, Dr Vikramjit Singh Sahney stressed on the need to engage youth in modern agriculture and opening of Wagah border for ease of trade with Pakistan and central Asian countries. “As MP, I keep raising issue of non-disbursal of funds to Punjab and we should push this further, especially in view of the upcoming parliamentary session. All MPs can come together to deliberate on a strategy to raise issues concerning Punjab’s interests during the zero hour,” he added.

Mann also talked about the initiatives taken by the state government to improve government schools’ functioning and formation of self-help groups of women for their financial independence. “Punjab will see an industrial resurgence soon as big players like Tata Steel are setting up plants in the state. We also need to focus on food processing units to increase profit from farming,” he added.

Sahney requested help of the Governor to solve certain issues related to Punjab. “Lack of international flights from Mohali and Amritsar is a deterrent to expansion of industry. We also need an MSP for crops other than wheat and paddy, which can solve the farming and ecological crisis of Punjab,” he said.