Special Kisan Milni at PAU on April 12 to Promote Sustainable Paddy Farming in Punjab
Chandigarh, April 9, 2025 – In a significant initiative to modernize and optimize paddy cultivation practices, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has greenlit the organization of a special ‘Kisan Milni’ on April 12 at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana. This farmer-focused event aims to raise awareness about innovative, sustainable, and water-efficient methods for paddy transplantation ahead of the 2025 kharif season.
The decision was announced during a meeting chaired by the Chief Minister at his official residence, where he emphasized the state government’s commitment to uplifting Punjab’s agricultural sector through farmer engagement, scientific innovation, and policy support.
Key Objectives of Kisan Milni 2025
The Kisan Milni will focus on sensitizing farmers to the best agronomic practices before the onset of the paddy sowing season. Chief Minister Mann highlighted several key goals for the event:
- Promote less water-intensive transplantation techniques
- Encourage the adoption of PAU-approved high-yielding paddy varieties
- Educate farmers about upcoming changes in the paddy sowing calendar
- Raise awareness about moisture-related procurement issues
- Warn against the use of spurious seeds
“This initiative will benefit farmers in a big way by introducing them to sustainable practices that ensure profitability while conserving water resources,” said CM Mann.
Advancing the Paddy Cultivation Season
In a crucial policy shift aimed at improving crop quality and easing procurement, the Punjab Government has decided to advance the paddy cultivation season to June 1. The move is intended to help farmers harvest crops with optimal moisture levels by October, avoiding delays or deductions during procurement by government agencies.
To streamline the process, the state will be divided into zones, and zone-wise sowing calendars will be issued shortly. This phased cultivation strategy is expected to reduce pressure on groundwater resources and promote ecological balance.
“We are planning this scientifically to ensure smooth cultivation across all regions,” the CM noted.
Collaboration with Agricultural Experts
To provide technical guidance and support, the state government will collaborate with leading agricultural scientists and agronomists from PAU and other institutions. Their role during the Kisan Milni will include:
- Demonstrating modern paddy sowing equipment
- Conducting sessions on climate-resilient farming
- Educating on weed, pest, and disease control
- Offering guidelines for optimal input use
This expert-led engagement ensures that farmers not only receive information but also practical tools to implement new techniques.
Crackdown on Spurious Seeds
CM Mann reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance stance on spurious seed suppliers, calling such activities “heinous crimes” against the farming community.
“Strict action will be taken against those involved in the sale of fake or substandard seeds,” he asserted.
The administration has directed district agricultural officers to ramp up inspections and verify the authenticity of seed suppliers across the state.
Punjab Government’s Vision for Agriculture
This Kisan Milni aligns with the broader agricultural reforms being championed by the Mann government, which include:
- Diversification of crops
- Promotion of organic and sustainable farming
- Use of solar energy in irrigation
- Digitization of land records and farm subsidies
Through such targeted outreach, the government aims to transform Punjab into a model state for climate-smart agriculture.