New Delhi, May 13, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday called upon Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and sought his intervention for the de-notification of certain hybrid paddy seeds to ensure smooth procurement and lifting operations in Punjab during the forthcoming Kharif season, while raising a series of critical issues concerning the state’s farmers before the Centre.
During the crucial meeting in Delhi, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann secured assurances on uninterrupted fertilizer supply and groundwater conservation, demanded Punjab’s representation in the Central Seed Committee, and pressed for wheat seed subsidy allocation for 2026-27.
Emphasising that Punjab’s farmers had successfully achieved the Centre’s target of 125 lakh metric tonnes of wheat production, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted that the Punjab Government is now aggressively promoting crop diversification through maize, pulses, oilseeds, sunflower and bajra to reduce dependence on paddy cultivation, conserve rapidly depleting groundwater reserves and pull Punjab out of the dangerous dark zone crisis threatening the state’s agrarian future.
During the meeting with the Union Agriculture Minister, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann also strongly pitched for Punjab’s representation in the Central Seed Committee under the proposed Seed Bill 2025 and sought greater support from the Centre for crop diversification and agricultural reforms in the state.
The Chief Minister informed Shivraj Singh Chouhan that though Punjab accounts for merely 2% of the country’s population, it contributes around 185 LMT of rice and 125 LMT of wheat annually, due to which Punjab is known as the food bowl of the country.
Stressing the importance of uninterrupted supply for both Kharif and Rabi crops, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted that it is imperative for ensuring the nation’s food security.
Raising the issue of the Seed Bill 2025, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Punjab, being an agrarian state with a major contribution towards the national food pool, must have adequate representation in the Central Seed Committee.”
He also stressed that the existing role and powers of the State Level Seed Committee should remain unchanged to safeguard the interests of farmers and the agriculture sector in Punjab.
Flagging concerns over hybrid paddy seeds, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann pointed out, “Some paddy hybrids have been found to exhibit a higher percentage of grain breakage during milling along with comparatively lower Head Rice Recovery in comparison to recommended varieties. Such produce does not conform to the quality standards prescribed by the Food Corporation of India, causing serious inconvenience to farmers during procurement.”
“In view of the forthcoming Kharif 2026 season, necessary action must be taken on priority for the de-notification of some of these hybrid paddy seeds in Punjab so that smooth procurement and lifting operations can be ensured in the larger interest of the farming community,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said.
Responding to the concerns raised by Punjab, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan assured the Chief Minister that a special committee would be constituted to examine the issue of hybrid paddy seeds and ensure smooth procurement operations in the state.
Highlighting another key issue, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Approximately 33% of wheat seed is required to be replaced annually in order to sustain wheat yield levels. Enhancing the Seed Replacement Rate is the need of the hour for improving agricultural productivity in Punjab.”
Seeking the Centre’s support, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann requested Shivraj Singh Chouhan for approval and allocation of Wheat Seed Subsidy under the Annual Action Plan for the financial year 2026-27 under Krishionnati Yojana.
“Such support is crucial for the comprehensive development of the agriculture sector and welfare of farmers. This will help in promoting scientific agriculture practices, thereby significantly increasing productivity and enhancing farmers’ income,” added the Chief Minister.
The Chief Minister also solicited fulsome support and cooperation from the Union government for giving a major push to crop diversification in Punjab to gradually take farmers out of the wheat-paddy cycle. “Diversification is essential not only for strengthening the rural economy but also for saving the rapidly depleting groundwater reserves in Punjab,” he added.
Pointing out the alarming groundwater situation, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Out of the total 150 blocks in Punjab, groundwater levels in 117 blocks have already entered the dark zone.”
He urged the Union government to introduce MSP on alternative crops as well so that farmers can be encouraged to diversify crops while simultaneously securing better incomes and protecting the state’s water resources.
FOLLOW NOW
