SPEECH OF HON’BLE GOVERNOR PUNJAB AND ADMINISTRATOR, UT CHANDIGARH, SHRI BANWARILAL PUROHIT ON THE OCCASION OF THE PREMIER AGRI & FOOD TECHNOLOGY FAIR AT PARADE GROUND, SECTOR 17, CHANDIGARH ON NOVEMBER 4, 2022

• It is the pleasure to be at the inaugural session of 15th CII Agro Tech.

• Punjab is the host State for this august event, soI welcome all the National and International Exhibitors to the State Capital.

• Punjab holds place of pride among the Indian States for its outstanding achievements in agricultural development.

• This is a region of hardworking farmers and enormous agricultural legacies and achievements.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

• Agriculture is more than just a profession for the people of Punjab. It is a calling, a tradition and a way of life. Agriculture has been central to our identity for decades.

• The efforts of our farmers have contributed to national development and food security and to the well being of our people.

• The state has been a star performer in agriculture during the heydays of the Green Revolution.

• The state has about 4.1 million hectares of cultivable area, which is 3% of the net area sown in the country.

• It has contributed from 25 to 35% of rice and 38 to 58% of wheat to the Central pool of food grains over the last four decades.

• The state ranks 4th in the world in terms of productivity of wheat with 5,188 kg per hectare whereas it stands first in India amongst all the other states.

• So, Punjab holds place of pride among the Indian States for its outstanding achievements in agricultural development.

• Agrarian economy, consolidation of landholdings, reclamation of new agricultural lands, development of irrigation, use of biochemical inputs comprising of high yielding variety seeds, chemical fertilizers, insecticides and mechanical inputs have been among the important factors which helped Punjab agriculture in making rapid strides.

• In Punjab’s economy, agriculture sector is still a significant contributor i.e. 24.8 per cent in the GSDP.

• The State Government has taken a number of initiatives to promote the agriculture sector.

• Bringing in latest technology on agriculture, Government of Punjab is is encouraging the farming community to implement theDirect Seeding of Rice Technique, which studies believe has the potential to save 20% water compared to the puddling technique of paddy cultivation.

• In this regard, the state government has announced a financial incentive of Rs 1,500 per acre to the implementing farmers . It is expected that this effort will yield positive outcome in the years to come.

• The state government has also been working towards encouraging farmers to undertake 3 crop cultivation.

• In this regard, the state government is procuring moong at MSP. It would nudge farmers to go for 3 crop cultivation from the traditional 2 crop rice-wheat cycle. This 65 day crop would supplement farmer incomes, promote diversification and conserve water and soil.

• With an aim to provide end to end services to our farmers, the state government has initiated comprehensive digitization in the agriculture sector. It includes digitization of farmer profiles, digitization of their land records and online transfer of returns against their produce. It will assist the farmers in reaping the benefits of modern technological advancements in agriculture practices.

Friends,

• Cooperatives are mechanisms that ensure growth, empowerment and prosperity of communities. Cooperative agencies have played an unparallel role in Punjab across various sectors including but not limited to banking, agriculture, dairy and food processing.

• The Punjab farmer has proven to be remarkably adaptable - unafraid of innovation, new techniques and scientific inputs. Our farmers have been bold in embracing risk and converting risk into opportunity .

• But now our agriculture needs a renewal of its marriage with contemporary technology.

• ‘Digital Transformation for Sustainable Agriculture & Food Security’ , encompassing focus on sustainable agriculture, technologies, enhancing productivity and profitability for various stakeholders in the agriculture chain and innovations for growth as is the theme of this Agro-Tech, is a must.

• I believe technology based applications and services can help farmers get more for their labour and their produce.

• Today disposal of crops residue, safe and clean removal of husk or stubble is an area of concern. Burning of such items is leads to pollution. It is for all of us, including the State governments, the farmers, and other stakeholders, to come up with a solution. And no doubt technology will help us find a solution.

• I am sure that Agro Tech India 2022 will discuss all such issues and come up with practicable and definite outcomes.

• I wish the organisers and participants all the very best!

Thank you,

Jai Hind.