Shivraj Chouhan visits Moga village, shares Punjabi meal with locals, highlights BJP’s pro-farmer agenda

Union Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan visited Moga district on Thursday as part of his tour of Punjab to interact with farmers and review ongoing rural-development initiatives.

During the visit, he went to Ransih Kalan village, where he received a warm and enthusiastic welcome from the local community.

At the residence of village Sarpanch Mintu, Chouhan sat on a traditional charpai and enjoyed a Punjabi meal of 'sarson da saag', 'makki di roti' and 'lassi'.

Expressing his gratitude, he said that the affection and hospitality shown by the villagers reflected Punjab’s rich cultural warmth.

Chouhan’s discussions with farmers primarily focused on stubble management, agricultural sustainability and avenues for enhancing rural income.

He acknowledged that stubble burning remains a serious issue but emphasised that with constructive dialogue and appropriate support, crop residue could be turned into a valuable resource rather than a liability.

He lauded Punjab for achieving an 83 per cent reduction in stubble-burning cases, describing the state’s progress as a model worth replicating across the country.

Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar, who accompanied the Minister, said stubble burning is a genuine concern for farmers, but practical and farmer-friendly solutions could convert the challenge into an economic advantage.

He stressed the need for continuous engagement with farmers to arrive at long-term solutions.

During the visit, Chouhan also interacted with beneficiaries of various rural-development schemes to assess the effectiveness of central government programs and understand issues at the grassroots level.

Earlier in the day, the Minister appreciated Ransih Kalan village for its commitment to sustainable practices, including environmental protection, social reforms and strong community participation.