Chandigarh, September 9, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday called for closer collaboration between the state government and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) to promote sustainable crop residue management, strengthen horticulture, develop skilled manpower and accelerate industrial growth in Punjab.
Chairing a meeting with a CII delegation in Chandigarh, Mann emphasised the need to focus on sustainability, resource efficiency, climate resilience and green technology to benefit farmers while making Punjab cleaner and greener.
“It is imperative for the Punjab government and CII to join hands on this thrust area to check environmental pollution,” the Chief Minister said, calling for practical, affordable and technology-driven solutions for farmers to manage crop residue.
Mann urged CII to scale up crop residue management initiatives in the Malwa region, particularly Sangrur and Barnala, where the Parmal variety of paddy is cultivated, besides other parts of the state.
Sharing details of the meeting on X, the Chief Minister said discussions focused on industrial development, attracting new investments and creating maximum employment opportunities for Punjab’s youth. He said the state government was working to make Punjab the country’s best industrial hub and create a conducive environment for businesses.
Mann also assured CII of the government’s full support for facilitating the visit of the World Horticulture Centre to India during CII Agro Tech India 2026. He said such visits would provide Punjab with opportunities for knowledge and technology exchange in agriculture and industry.
The Chief Minister stressed the need for greater technology collaboration to strengthen Punjab’s horticulture sector and improve benefits for farmers. He also highlighted the importance of strengthening industrial and urban infrastructure at key focal points to improve ease of doing business and quality of life.
He said the government was committed to ensuring reliable and quality power supply to industrial areas, particularly during peak demand periods, while addressing infrastructure bottlenecks affecting industrial operations.
Mann also assured support for CII’s proposed Multi-Skill Training Institute (MSTI) in Ludhiana, saying it would help create a skilled workforce aligned with the requirements of local industries and generate new employment opportunities for young people.
He further urged CII to explore the feasibility of establishing a Centre of Excellence for Technical Textiles in Punjab along with an ultra-modern laboratory in Jalandhar. He also called for setting up a dedicated Skill Centre for Defence Manufacturing Industries to provide trained manpower and give further impetus to economic activity in the state.
The meeting covered government-industry collaboration in agriculture, crop residue management, horticulture, infrastructure, skill development and emerging industrial sectors, with the objective of promoting sustainable growth and creating greater opportunities for the people of Punjab.
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