Given the various implications of the matter, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Tuesday decided to hand over the draft Punjab Farmers Policy to a cabinet sub- committee for a detailed study.The draft, prepared by the Farmers Commission in consultation with various stakeholders, was taken up for informal discussion by the Cabinet under Captain Amarinder’s chairmanship here.Presenting the draft, Farmers Commission chairman Ajay Vir Jakhar said the policy was open to discussion and amendments.
The Chief Minister said he had seen the draft and in view of the political implications of some of its provisions, a cabinet sub-committee should be formed to examine the policy and take further decision. The cabinet authorized the Chief Minister for form the sub-committee.The policy focuses on issues of water management, livestock development, crop diversification, value addition, common lands, crop compensation fund, governance, merger of departments and ministries etc. to improve livelihoods of those dependent on agriculture on a sustainable basis while preserving the ecological balance for future generations.