Monsoon session: Seechewal questions Centre on sustainable farming in state

Rajya Sabha Member Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal has raised questions during the monsoon session of parliament, urging the Central government to take action for the welfare of farmers. Sant Seechewal asked the Ministry of Agriculture in the Rajya Sabha to respond in writing, asking the government to clarify what steps it has taken to free the farmers of Punjab from the traditional crop cycle. He questioned the Union Agriculture Minister, asking what programmes the government has for promoting crop diversification to reduce dependence on water-intensive crops like paddy and wheat.

Seechewal further elaborated on his question, asking whether the Centre was focusing on promoting sustainable farming or encouraging farmers to grow high-value crops in Punjab. He also raised questions regarding the marketing of alternative crops when farmers switch to them. He emphasised farmers would switch to alternative crops, but would the Centre guarantee the purchase of pulses and oilseeds under MSP?

In response, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Ramnath Thakur, provided a written reply. He mentioned that under the Prime Minister’s National Agriculture Development Scheme, crop diversification is being promoted. He explained that in green revolution states such as Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, farmers are made aware through agricultural exhibitions. They are also educated on ways to tackle a crisis. He also said that the Centre has initiated a scheme to help farmers reduce their dependence on water-intensive crops, and Punjab is also included in it.