“Come to me directly, don’t stage protests”: Mann’s message to Farmer unions

Punjab Newsline | Ludhiana

A two-day Kisan Mela began at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) in Ludhiana on Thursday, with farmers from Punjab and neighbouring states arriving to participate in the event. The fair, being held on September 18 and 19, was inaugurated by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

Addressing farmers at the event, Mann appealed to farmer unions to avoid staging protests and instead approach him directly for meetings and discussions on their demands.

“Whenever you want a meeting, come to me directly. First you stage a protest and then say you want a meeting. You should come to me first,” Mann said. In a lighter remark, he added, “I am your friend, but you spray me too.”

Mann said the Punjab government has set a target of taking canal water to every agricultural field in the state and claimed that the goal would be achieved soon.

He said fields receiving canal irrigation were expected to see improved crop yields. He also claimed that the increased availability of canal water had helped raise groundwater levels in several parts of Punjab, with rises of around one to five feet reported in some areas.

According to Mann, canal irrigation has also reduced farmers’ expenses as they no longer need to operate generators for pumping groundwater in areas where canal water is available.

CM Urges Farmers to Cut Cultivation Costs

Chief Minister urged farmers to reduce their farming expenses and stressed the importance of soil and crop testing before applying pesticides and other sprays.

On stubble burning, Mann said Punjab farmers were likely to face criticism over the issue again but appealed to them not to set crop residue on fire.

He said the Centre should provide incentives to farmers for adopting stubble-management measures and added that the Punjab government would also provide incentives to encourage farmers to manage crop residue without burning it.

PAU Showcases Agri-Voltaics Technology

PAU Research Director Dr AS Dhatt said crop production in Punjab was performing well and highlighted the potential of agri-voltaics technology.

He explained that the technology allows solar panels to be installed on agricultural land while farming continues underneath them. This, he said, can enable the same piece of land to be used for both electricity generation and agriculture.

PAU Registrar Sukhjeet Pal Singh said the Kisan Mela had been organised for the benefit of farmers and invited farmers, rural women and youth to attend the event with their families.