Punjab's Agriculture Policy Almost Ready, Announces Chief Minister Amid Farmer Protests

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced on Wednesday that the state's agriculture policy is nearly complete. His government plans to invite stakeholders for further discussions. This statement comes amid ongoing protests by the Bharti Kisan Union Ugrahan and the Punjab Khet Mazdoor Union, who are demanding the policy's implementation.

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During the final day of the three-day Punjab Assembly session, Mann reiterated that the agriculture policy is almost ready. "We will speak to stakeholders, farmers unions, and organisations related to farming in this regard," he said in the state assembly.

Stakeholder Consultation

Mann emphasised that his government believes in formulating policies with stakeholder consultation. He contrasted this approach with the Union government's method of introducing policies without adequate consultation. He cited the example of the three farm laws, which were later repealed by the BJP-led central government following widespread farmer protests.

Farmers under the BKU Ugrahan and Punjab Khet Mazdoor Union banners began a five-day protest on Sunday. They are pressing for various demands, including the implementation of the agriculture policy. BKU Ugrahan leader Sukhdev Singh Kokrikalan mentioned that the chief minister will meet with farmer representatives on Thursday.

Fertilizer Shortage and Financial Settlements

In addition to discussing agriculture policy, Mann addressed other issues in the assembly. He raised concerns about a shortage of DAP fertilizer with Union Minister J P Nadda. Mann also highlighted that the state government has implemented a one-time settlement scheme (OTS) for traders with pending value-added tax cases, generating Rs 164 crore through this scheme.

Earlier during question hour, Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh stated he would meet a central minister in Delhi on Thursday. This meeting follows Congress MLA Pargat Singh's remarks about the Centre withholding Rs 1,750 crore of National Health Mission (NHM) funds from Punjab.

Health Funding Dispute

The state's AAP government has been in conflict with the Centre over NHM funds. The Union health ministry previously accused Punjab of converting Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres into aam aadmi clinics. "Health is predominantly a state subject," said Balbir Singh. "The central government insists on branding while we advocate for co-branding of aam aadmi clinics."

In July, the Centre informed Parliament that Punjab had violated branding guidelines for Ayushman Bharat-Health and Wellness Centres, now known as Ayushman Arogya Mandir. This non-compliance affected special assistance schemes for states' capital investment in 2023-24.

Local Opposition to Biogas Plants

Shiromani Akali Dal MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali raised concerns about villagers opposing three biogas plants in Ludhiana district's Bhundri, Akhara, and Muskabad areas. Residents fear these plants will produce foul smells, prompting Ayali to demand that these projects be halted.

The speaker later adjourned the House sine die.