Ludhiana, April 12: The Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann reiterated the firm commitment of the AAP govt . The goal is to save the groundwater of the state for coming generations. On Saturday, he announced to start zone-wise cultivation of the paddy from June 1.

“CM Mann Announces Staggered Paddy Sowing to Save Water”

“We have divided the state into three zones. The cultivation of paddy will start in the districts falling in three zones on June 1. The Chief Minister announced that it will also start on June 5. Furthermore, it will begin again on June 9,” while addressing the gathering during Sarkar Kisaan Milni here today. The Chief Minister said that Punjab is the food bowl of the country. It contributes 45% of grains in the national food pool. However, he bemoaned that in 70 days of paddy season Punjab pumps out water equal to nine Gobind Sagar lakes. He noted this is a huge quantity. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that by pumping out so much water, we risk depriving our future generations of water. Water is the basic ingredient of our existence.

AAP govt  : “CM Warns Paddy Farming Threatens Water Future”

Citing an example, the Chief Minister said that 4000 litre of water is required for producing one kilo paddy. This poses a serious threat to the basic existence of our coming generations. Therefore, the AAP govt is making concerted efforts to save it. He said that cultivation of paddy in the state has increased significantly. It expanded from 20 lakh hectares to 32 lakh hectares. As a result, the need for water to irrigate the fields has also increased. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that due to strenuous efforts of the state government, the ground water level has started increasing. According to a report from the Union government, it has seen an upward enhancement of one metre.

AAP govt  : “Punjab to Begin Zone-Wise Paddy Cultivation from June 1”

In a path breaking initiative, the Chief Minister announced that the state government decided to start cultivation of paddy. This will commence on June 1. The state has been divided into three zones for this purpose. He said that paddy cultivation in Faridkot, Bathinda, Fazilka, Ferozepur and Sri Muktsar Sahib Districts will start from June 1. Cultivation will commence in Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Amritsar, and Tarn Tarn on June 5. It will also start in Rupnagar, SAS Nagar (Mohali), Sri Fatehgarh Sahib and Hoshiarpur districts the same day. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that in the remaining districts, it will start on June 9. These districts are Ludhiana, Moga, Jalandhar, Mansa, Malerkotla, Sangrur, Patiala, Barnala, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, and Kapurthala.

AAP govt  : “Punjab Plans Paddy Reform to Ease Power Burden, Aid Farmers”

The Chief Minister said that it will help in reducing the immediate burden for supply of power. This will occur in all the districts of the state during the paddy season. He said that it will prevent issues for farmers when selling their paddy harvest. The challenge arises due to high moisture content in October. Bhagwant Singh Mann said the Punjab government is already planning and making arrangements to ensure zone-wise cultivation of the paddy crop in the state. The Chief Minister said that the state government is contemplating a ban. They aim to stop the cultivation of the water guzzling Pussa 44 variety of the paddy. He said that the cultivation of this variety needs around 152 days. It requires 64 lakh litre water per acre. It costs Rs 7500 per acre to the government for power. Likewise, according to Bhagwant Singh Mann, the farmers have to bear an expenditure of nearly Rs 19000 per acre. This cost is for the cultivation of this variety. It also produces 10% more paddy straw than other varieties.

  “Mann Promises 8-Hour Power, Highlights Canal Water Revival”

The Chief Minister said that the state government will ensure a minimum of eight hours of regular power supply. This will benefit farmers during the paddy season. He said that in the areas where canal water supply is available, the power will be supplied at night. It will be provided for eight hours.  Bhagwant Singh Mann further said that the previous governments never bothered to make any effort to save the groundwater. Farmers at the tail ends on this land of five rivers never got water. However, the Chief Minister said after assuming charge his government has revived 15947 water courses in the state due to which water has reached at the tail ends even in remotest villages. Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that when he assumed office, the state used only 21% of canal water for irrigation.However, he said it is a matter of great pride. It is also satisfying to know that farmers now use 75% of the canal water for irrigation purposes.

“Canal Water Boosts Farming; Govt Pushes Crop Diversification: CM Mann”

The Chief Minister said that canal water is a boon for irrigation. This mineral-rich water enhances soil fertility. It reduces pressure on groundwater as well. He said that it also reduces the burden on the power sector. This reduction enables the state government to provide uninterrupted power to every sector. Bhagwant Singh Mann further said that the state government is making strenuous efforts. They aim to provide adequate marketing and MSP on alternate crops like Maize. This strategy is intended to bring farmers out of the rut of the wheat/paddy circle. The Chief Minister was clear. No black of DAP and Urea will be allowed during the season. This is to avoid any inconvenience to the farmers.  The state government firmly commits to making agriculture a profitable venture. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that farmers need to actively participate. This is essential to bail them out from the ongoing agrarian crisis. He said that due to ever escalating input costs and diminishing returns agriculture is no longer a profitable venture.

“Mann Urges Statewide Basmati Cultivation to Boost Farmer Income”

The Chief Minister said that due to this the farmers of the state are on cross roads. He said that the sole motive of organizing this interaction is to reduce the gap between decision makers and stakeholders. This will ensure policies are designed as per the needs of the farmers. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab produces 80% of the total Basmati in the country. He added that this production will be further enhanced in the coming days. The Chief Minister said that this will further give fillip to the Basmati industry. It will also supplement the income of farmers. Additionally, it saves the precious natural resource in the form of water. Bhagwant Singh Mann gave a clarion call to the farmers to adopt Basmati cultivation across the state. He added that he assured the farmers the state government will make every effort. Their goal is to ensure that farmers do not suffer any sort of loss in cultivation of Basmati. He also said that every effort will be made to ensure that assured prices are made available on Basmati cultivation.