AAP leader and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday met Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Chouhan in the national capital regarding preparations related to paddy sowing and other issues related to the state.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, he said it has been decided to promote crops such as maize, pulses, oilseeds, sunflowers and millets that require less water and labour from farmers while simultaneously generating a good income for them.
“Today, a very positive discussion took place with Shivraj Chouhan regarding certain agricultural issues in Punjab, during which a decision was made to ensure the uninterrupted supply of food grains. In the coming days, it has been decided to promote crops such as maize, pulses, oilseeds, sunflowers, and millet, varieties that require less water and labour from farmers while simultaneously generating a good income for them," he said.
Mann also said serious discussions regarding water conservation in the northern state were also held.
Mann’s visit holds significance as for the past few months, the political battle lines between the ruling AAP and the opposition BJP have been clearly drawn in Punjab, with the former trying to defend its last political citadel and the BJP showing aggression in gaining political ground in Punjab.
The standoff between the two sides escalated after the defection of seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs to the BJP last month and the raids by central agencies on ministers and officials.
The AAP has been claiming political vendetta by BJP. It is under these circumstances that Mann came to Delhi on Wednesday, to seek the Centre’s intervention in Punjab’s issues.
He also met Union Road and Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari to discuss the pending road projects and delays in construction of the roads, culverts and bridges on national highways, which is delaying the completion of these projects.
