Punjab govt reaffirms commitment to protect farmers’ rights

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Chandigarh, December 19

Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian has assured farmer union leaders that the state government remains committed to safeguarding farmers’ interests amid concerns over the National Policy Framework on Agricultural Marketing. Farmer unions have called on the state government to reject the National Policy Framework on Agricultural Marketing.

During discussions with farmer union leaders at Punjab Bhawan on Thursday, Khudian emphasized that the Bhagwant Mann-led government will not let the policy adversely affect farmers. “This policy could have serious implications for the state and its farmers, so we are conducting a thorough analysis with expert consultations to address every concern,” he said.

Khudian, accompanied by Additional Chief Secretary Agriculture Anurag Verma and other officials, encouraged farmers to submit suggestions to the Agriculture Department. Stakeholders, including agriculture experts, will also be consulted to ensure a comprehensive response to the draft policy.

Farmer union leaders, including Joginder Singh Ugrahan, Balbir Singh Rajewal, and Dr. Darshan Pal, voiced concerns about potential privatization and monopolistic practices under the policy, likening it to the repealed farm laws. They urged further examination to protect Punjab’s farmers.

The meeting included participation from senior officials such as Dr. Sukhpal Singh of the Punjab State Farmers’ Commission, Special Secretary Agriculture Harbir Singh, and PAU Director of Research Dr. Ajmer Singh Dhatt.