Government Initiatives for Farmers
Addressing a press conference, Shri Chouhan announced that the Central Government has released ₹74 crore for the free distribution of wheat seeds in Punjab to compensate for crop losses. Additionally, ₹222 crore has been transferred in advance to 11.09 lakh farmers under the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. Financial support under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) will also be provided to horticulture farmers impacted by natural adversities.
Flood Relief and Reconstruction Support
Shri Chouhan emphasised the government’s commitment to Punjab’s recovery from recent floods, announcing that ₹1,600 crore has been sanctioned for affected families. Each family will receive ₹1.60 lakh, including ₹1.20 lakh for house reconstruction and ₹40,000 for labour and toilet facilities. These measures aim to restore livelihoods and strengthen resilience in rural communities.
Focus on Maize and Agricultural Diversification
The Union Minister highlighted maize as India’s third most important crop, noting its role in food security, industrial applications, and as a sustainable alternative to paddy. He praised ICAR–IIMR for its contributions to improving maize productivity and supporting agricultural diversification, which aligns with the government’s objectives of boosting foodgrain production, reducing input costs, and enhancing farmers’ incomes.
Promotion of Swadeshi and Local Empowerment
Shri Chouhan urged citizens to prioritise ‘Made in India’ products, stressing that supporting indigenous goods empowers local artisans, retains wealth domestically, and strengthens the national economy. “By supporting indigenous products, we promote self-reliance and ensure prosperity for our local communities,” he said.
Event Participation
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Bhagirath Choudhary, Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Industries Shri Ravneet Singh Bittu, and Punjab Agriculture Minister Shri Gurmeet Singh Khudian, highlighting the collaborative effort in promoting agriculture and rural welfare initiatives in the state.
