Ludhiana, May 13, 2023 (Yes Punjab News)
An on-farm kisan gosti (farmers’ discourse) marked the end of the NRI Conclave, part of the Dooji Punjabi Sarkar-Kisan Milni, at Shergill Farm in village Kharkan, district Hoshiarpur. Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, joined forces with the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of Punjab, and Shergill Farm for this event. Noteworthy is the ownership of Shergill Farm by S. Jagvir Singh Shergill, a lone figure who chose to return to India from the US and embraced farming.
The Chief Guest, S. Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, Agriculture and Farmers’ Affairs Minister of Punjab, was accompanied by Sh. Brahm Shankar Jimpa, Minister for Revenue and Water Resources. Notable attendees included Mr. Sumer Singh Gurjar (IAS), Principal Secretary – Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare; Mrs. Komal Mittal (IAS), Deputy Commissioner of Hoshiarpur; Dr. Sukhpal Singh, Chairman of Punjab State Farmers’ and Farm Workers’ Commission, as well as local MLAs. Leading the university team and NRI farmers was Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, the PAU Vice-Chancellor.
In his remarks, S. Dhaliwal addressed the persistent negative propaganda faced by Punjab and vowed that the current government would wholeheartedly endeavor to redefine the state and galvanize agriculture. He rued the politicization of Punjab’s water issue by previous administrations, prioritizing personal gain over viable solutions.
His aspiration was to convene water experts and hydrologists to tackle the state’s water problems. He emphasized that flawed policies led to a mass exodus of farmers to foreign shores, a situation the present government aims to rectify. Their focus lies in creating a conducive environment for farmers and fostering the state’s agriculture.
S. Dhaliwal drew attention to three endangered mothers: the biological mother, mother earth, and mother tongue, all requiring a nurturing environment to flourish. He stressed that Punjab’s path to prosperity hinges on safeguarding these three entities alongside agriculture. Grateful to NRI farmers for their valuable insights, he acknowledged their input in shaping the state’s maiden agricultural policy, designed to serve its purpose for the next 25 years. Recognizing the idyllic setting at Shergill Farm, S. Dhaliwal underscored the importance of replicating and emulating such agricultural initiatives throughout the region.
Sh. Bram Shankar Jimpa reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to the farmers, foreseeing NRI farmers as the driving force behind Punjab’s progress. Dr. Sukhpal Singh emphasized a grassroots-level approach in crafting the agricultural policy, actively seeking suggestions from the ground level. Mr. Sumer Singh Gurjar assured that the bureaucracy has been instructed to swiftly address public issues, with actions aligning with their promises.
Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, reflecting on the second milni, highlighted the remarkable turnout of over 17,000 registered farmers. He noted that the ideas shared by NRI farmers would ignite a flame within others, inspiring them to pursue their dreams with the same passion and determination. The collective spirit and dedication of these farmers would serve as a catalyst, fueling the aspirations of many, he added.
Among the NRI attendees, Dr. Gurreet Pal Brar, from the USA, emphasized the significance of enacting and enforcing laws to regulate chemical use and water management for market growth and environmental preservation. His ideas included specialized boards for different crops, corporate-cooperative models, market regulations to prevent gluts, government funding for research, and more.
Mr. Hardeep Singh, also from the USA, advocated for supporting local produce, while Mr. Inder Mann from Canada highlighted the benefits of a bottom-up participatory approach in policy-making. Dr. Bikram Gill, from the USA, shared a self-composed poem on Punjab’s agriculture, suggesting the cultivation of trait-specific varieties and biofortification to address nutritional deficiencies and enhance market value. The event also featured video messages from other NRI farmers.
The dignitaries were honoured with mementos during a ceremony, with Dr. G.S. Buttar, PAU’s Director Extension Education, extending a warm welcome to the guests. Dr. Vishal Bector, Associate Director (Institution Relations) at PAU, skillfully coordinated the discourse.
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