In a path breaking initiative, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday asked the officers to organize a special Kisan Milni at Punjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana on April 12 to sensitize the farmers regarding cultivation of paddy. Chairing a meeting here at his official residence, the Chief Minister said that the special Kisan Milni will focus on making the farmers aware about cultivation of paddy before the starting of paddy season.
He said that during the Milni the farmers will be apprised about the innovative and less water guzzling techniques of paddy transplant. Likewise, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that focus will be on motivating the farmers to use only the high yielding varieties of paddy approved by the PAU.
The Chief Minister said that the farmers will also be informed that in order to avoid complications to the farmers in selling their paddy harvest due to high moisture content in October, the state government has decided to advance the paddy cultivation season from June 1. He said that zone wise cultivation of the paddy crop will be ensured in the state for which necessary planning and arrangements are already being made by the Punjab government.
Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state will be divided into zones to implement this sowing mechanism in an effective manner. The Chief Minister said that the dates of paddy cultivation in a phased manner will be announced soon so that farmers can take benefit from it.
Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government will rope in renowned agriculture experts to benefit the farmers during this Milni. Meanwhile, he reiterated that the state government is duty bound to check the sale of spurious seeds and no one involved in this heinous crime will be spared.