Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann continuously advocates for major relief to farmers in border areas, pushing for the relocation of fencing along the international border to enable unhindered cultivation on thousands of acres of land.
Highlighting the hardships faced by farmers, CM Mann emphasized that a large amount of fertile land is situated beyond the barbed wire, forcing farmers to seek daily permissions and undergo security checks to access their own fields.
Reaffirming his commitment to protecting the interests of the farmers, the Chief Minister stated that ensuring smooth and restriction-free farming in the border areas is a priority of the Punjab Government, and every effort is being made to address the concerns of national security without compromising the interests of the farmers. The Chief Minister also pointed out some of the critical issues faced by the agrarian economy of Punjab, emphasizing that the farmers of Punjab still face challenges in the decisions made and the delayed payment of their dues.
Additionally, CM Mann expressed strong objections to the proposed Seed Bill 2025 and stated that the draft of the bill undermines the representation of Punjab in the crucial decision-making bodies and compromises the role of the state in matters that are of critical importance to the state's agriculture sector. The Chief Minister also pointed out the risks of untested seeds and stated that the voice of Punjab should be represented in such matters.
Another issue raised by the Chief Minister was related to the financial dues, wherein he stated that the rural people of Punjab are not receiving their rightful dues pertaining to the Rural Development Fund and market fees, which is having an adverse effect on the infrastructure development of rural areas of the state.
While addressing the concerns of the commission agents, the Chief Minister of Punjab, Mann, stated that the commission agents play an integral role in the procurement system and deserve to be compensated accordingly for their services. It is also essential to revise their commission rates in a timely manner to ensure smooth procurement operations.
While raising administrative concerns, the Chief Minister of Punjab highlighted the significance of ensuring the rightful representation of Punjab in different frameworks and administrative structures related to the state's interests.
Reaffirming his government's commitment, CM Mann said that Punjab will continue to strongly advocate for farmers' rights, equitable resource allocation, and policies that protect the state's agricultural and economic interests, while upholding its responsibility towards national food security.