Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan on Tuesday emphasized on finding a solution to the problems faced by the farmers cultivating Chilli in Ferozepur belt and border area.
Chairing a meeting with the officials, farmers and experts of the Agriculture Department, Punjab Mandi Board, Punjab Agro Export Corporation and Markfed at Sabha Secretariat here today, Mr Sandhwan asserted that it is the duty of the state government to address grievances of the chilli growers and said that cold stores as well as low-cost solar dryers to be installed in the area for the farmers cultivating chilli in the Ferozepur belt and border areas.
He said that a proposal for this purpose will be prepared by Markfed and Punjab Agro and sent to the Chief Minister Punjab. He said that the state government is committed to increase the income of the farmers, provide good and high yielding seeds and provide all technical assistance for processing and selling.
Speaker said that the state government will provide all possible help to the Chilli farmers for a lucrative crop, timely marketing and processing, good price of the product and profit. He told the officials that there is a good production of other vegetables in Ferozepur region, besides chillies, more good and appropriate measures should be taken in this regard.
On this occasion, Agriculture Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that there is a big business of chilli in Ferozepur area. He said that the Department of Agriculture and Punjab Agriculture University are ready to train the farmers in cultivation, processing and branding of chilli, so that the farmers can get maximum benefits.
He said that a joint committee of Agriculture Department, Punjab Mandi Board and officials of Punjab Agro and Markfed will be formed, which will give their suggestions on promotion of chilli growers and various other arrangements. He said that vendors selling seeds without receipt will be dealt with strictly and pepper seeds will be ensured at the prescribed price.
In this meeting MLA Mr. Ranbir Singh Bhullar, MLA Mr. Rajneesh Kumar Dahia, MLA Mr.. Fauja Singh Sarari, MLA Mr. Naresh Kataria, Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal Vice Chancellor Punjab Agriculture University Ludhiana, Mr. Mahinder Singh Sidhu Chairman Panseed, Mr. Mangal Singh Chairman Punjab Agri Export Corporation Limited, Mr. Rahul Gupta Additional Secretary Agri and MD. Markfed, Mr. Dalwinderjit Singh Additional Secretary Mandi Board and Senior Officers of Agriculture University Ludhiana, Punjab Agro, Panseed, Punjab Horticulture Department, Punjab Mandi Board, Markfed, Deputy Commissioner Ferozepur, Joint Registrar Cooperative Societies Ferozepur and Chilli Cultivators were present.