RAJPURA (PATIALA), June 5: Union Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday interacted with farmers in Punjab as part of the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, asserting the Centre’s commitment to formulating policies rooted in on-ground realities rather than bureaucratic chambers.
“I’m not here for rhetoric. I am not a guest here; I am a family member,” Chouhan told farmers at a Kisan Chaupal in Rajpura, pledging responsive governance driven by direct farmer engagement.
Chouhan’s one-day visit to Patiala district included interactions at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Rauni, a tree plantation on World Environment Day, and an exhibition of modern agricultural machinery in Amargarh, followed by a tour of a farm mechanisation unit in the region.
During the gathering, Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian flagged serious supply gaps and compensation delays. “Farmers were promised ₹17,000 for diversifying crops, but have received only ₹10,000 so far,” Khudian said, also citing a DAP fertiliser shortfall, with only 38,000 to 39,000 metric tonnes received against a 90,000-MT requirement.
He praised progressive farmers in Patiala for adopting Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) and refraining from stubble burning for over a decade. “We are setting our mother earth on fire by indulging in stubble burning,” Khudian warned, urging the Centre to enhance compensation for eco-friendly practices. He noted an 86% drop in stubble burning during the Kharif season.
Responding, Chouhan urged widespread adoption of DSR, calling it “a water-saving, labour-reducing model.” He also warned against overuse of pesticides, and emphasised bridging the gap between agricultural research and field application. “Our focus should be to connect land and lab, so that farmers benefit from real-time innovation. Policies should come from the field — not from officers in air-conditioned rooms,” he said.
On water sharing with Pakistan, Chouhan touched on India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty following the Pahalgam terror attack. “Eighty per cent of our water was flowing into Pakistan. Now this water will be harnessed for farming in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan,” he said.
The minister’s visit occurred under heightened security amid simmering discontent among farmers. Protests have persisted since the March 20 crackdown on agitators at Shambhu and Khanauri, with many farmers alleging tractor trolley confiscations and unlawful evictions.
Despite the tense backdrop, Chouhan’s message remained conciliatory. “I’m here to listen,” he said, positioning himself as an ally to Punjab’s farmers amid ongoing agricultural and political tensions.
