Punjab Agriculture Minister Urges Speedy Approval for Next-Gen Cotton Seeds to Combat Pest Attacks

New Delhi, July 18 2024 : In a crucial appeal to address the growing threat of pest attacks on cotton crops, Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian has requested Union Agriculture Minister Sh. Shivraj Singh Chouhan to expedite the research and approval process for the Next Generation BG-3 cotton seeds. This new seed variant aims to provide enhanced resistance to pests like Pink Bollworm and whitefly, which have severely impacted the current BG-2 cotton crops.

During a meeting with Sh. Chouhan at Krishi Bhawan in New Delhi, Khudian expressed his appreciation for the Union Minister’s approval of the State Agricultural Statistics Authority (SASA). He highlighted that SASA would significantly bolster planning, monitoring, evaluation, research, and development efforts in Punjab’s agriculture sector.

Khudian also discussed several key agricultural issues with Sh. Chouhan, including the implementation of the Crop Residue Management (CRM) scheme. He criticized the recent change in the funding pattern for CRM from 100% central funding to a 60:40 (Centre) ratio for FY 2023-24 and urged for the reinstatement of full central funding. Khudian emphasized the importance of this scheme in maintaining Punjab’s substantial contribution to national food security and requested compensation for farmers managing paddy straw.

Additionally, the Punjab Minister addressed concerns about the supply of phosphatic fertilizers, which often faces shortages during the Rabi season. He appealed to ensure a consistent and continuous supply of these fertilizers.

Khudian also urged the continuation of assistance under the National Food Security Mission (NFSM) and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) for wheat seed replacement, which has been discontinued. He stressed the need for this support to meet the demands of the growing population.

The meeting was attended by Special Chief Secretary Agriculture Mr. KAP Sinha, Director Agriculture Jaswant Singh, and other senior officials from the department and ministry.