Punjab Government meets farmers to discuss agricultural policy

PTC Web Desk: The Punjab government on Wednesday convened a critical meeting with farmers to discuss the state's agricultural policy. Led by Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian at Punjab Bhawan, the meeting allowed farmers to present 24 key suggestions aimed at improving the current policy framework.

Minister Khudian expressed the government's commitment to considering the farmers' recommendations. However, due to the ongoing model code of conduct for the upcoming Panchayat elections, a follow-up meeting will be scheduled. A delegation representing the Bharatiya Kisan Union Ekta Ugrahan and the Khet Mazdoor Union participated in the discussions, providing feedback on the policy's strengths and weaknesses.

“Our main goal is to ensure farmers can cultivate effectively,” a farmer representative stated.

Following the timely receipt of the policy document, farmer leaders conducted an in-depth analysis and consulted with experts before submitting their recommendations. Prominent farmer leader Joginder Singh Ugrahan conveyed optimism about the outcome, stating, "We had a thorough discussion, and we hope the government will heed to our demands."

This meeting follows a farmers’ protest in Chandigarh, the first in 15 years, which took place during the Punjab government’s recent monsoon session. Farmers were granted permission to protest under specific conditions and marched from Sector 34 to Matka Chowk, demanding fair agricultural policies.