CM concerned over declining water table

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, September 21

Punjab will become a desert in the years to come if you don’t save water, said Captain Amarinder Singh, Chief Minister, Punjab, while inaugurating the two-day Kisan Mela at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) on Saturday.

Tracing the history of food shortage after Partition to attaining self-sufficiency in foodgrain later, the CM lauded PAU for its remarkable research in the development/ recommendation of PV 18 and Lerma Rojo (wheat) and IR 8 (rice) that heralded Green Revolution.

He further expressed concern over the declining water table and promoted crop diversification among farmers. The Chief Guest, Captain Amarinder Singh, said: “We need new crops as well as new irrigation technologies to tackle these problems. What are we going to leave for our future generations? Think of the future of Punjab. With shrinking landholdings and depleting water resources, use drip irrigation to save water and stop burning paddy straw, instead use Happy Seeder to manage it,” he told farmers.

The people of Delhi are not ready to stay in Delhi because of rising pollution, he said, while asking farmers not to spoil the environment of Punjab by burning paddy straw.

Punjab Government is committed to promoting vegetable industry and kinnow marketing in the state at Amritsar, Halwara, Adampur, Bathinda and Chandigarh, he said. “With agriculture and industry flourishing, save the future of Punjab,” he said to farmers.

The CM called upon farmers to visit Sultanpur Lodhi, Dera Baba Nanak and Kartarpur Corridor to celebrate the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.

Guest of honour Sardar Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Minister of Jails and Cooperation, Punjab, said milk adulteration and drug addiction were growing concerns for Punjab. He impressed upon farmers not to adulterate milk and make their children drug addicts.

“Punjab has always been the ann data (food provider) and now there is a dire need to save Punjab’s kisani (farming) and jawani (youngsters),” he said.

In his welcome address, Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon, Vice-Chancellor, PAU, said the two-day mela celebrates the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, who in his teachings had said: “Pawan Guru Panni Pita Mata Dharat Mahat”. Dr Dhillon said: “The theme of the mela coveys a special message to farmers — to use air, water and soil wisely. Despite challenges, pesticide consumption has come down and a record yield has been obtained during the last year.”

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh expressed confidence that the Congress party would easily win all four by-elections, slated to be held on October 21. He said the party was fully geared to contest the upcoming by-elections.

Free medical camp for farmers

A free medical camp is being conducted for farmers during the Kisan Mela. Dr CS Grewal and Dr Ravninder Singh Kuka from SPS Hospitals will examine the patients for heart, stomach and liver diseases. Free screening test of hepatitis B and C will also be conducted. Blood sugar, ECG and blood pressure will also be checked. The camp will be held near PAU gate number 1 at Thapar Hall.

‘Have urged PM to get jaziya abolished’

Regarding imposition of ‘jaziya’ (20 USD tax by Pakistan on pilgrims to Kartarpur Sahib), Captain Amarinder said he had already urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to get the jaziya abolished to ensure khulle darshan didar. The Kartarpur Corridor, which was being constructed at a fast pace on the Indian side, was aimed at providing easy darshan to the devotees of Guru Nanak Dev, which Pakistan should respect, he said.