Aimed at improving the state’s agriculture system, Punjab Government would come up with its new Agriculture Policy by March 31, next.
“The new Agricultural Policy will be prepared keeping in mind the state’s geographical situation, soil health, availability of crops and water, for which consultations are being held with renowned agricultural scientists, experts and farmers’ organizations,” said the state Agriculture Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal on Monday, while speaking during the ‘Kisan Goshti’ organized by the Punjab State Farmers and Agricultural Workers Commission on the topic of ‘Agricultural Development Model of Punjab - some policy issues’.
Dhaliwal said that due to the irresponsible attitude of the previous governments and due to wrong policies, “Punjab’s pure water, clean air and environment, and healthy fertile land are now turning into polluted water, toxic air, and infertile land, which needs to be replaced with clean policy and intention”.
Announcing the creation of a separate policy for natural farming, the Minister said that due to excessive use of fertilizers, chemicals, weed killers, and pesticides in agriculture, people are facing health problems. “To bring natural farming, it is necessary to work according to its climate. Farming is not just farming, it is an issue related to life,” he said while emphasizing on the need to populate the cooperative system.
The Minister, emphasizing the need to remove the insecurity in agriculture, said that the State Government will move forward with the support of all in the direction of saving agriculture. “Instead of buying big machines for farming, use small machines,” he opined.
Also announcing to hold various conferences keeping Punjab's crops, water, soil, and environment at the center, he said that the State Government will make every possible effort to strengthen the agricultural sector with the help of agricultural experts, agronomists, and experienced people.