Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday inaugurated the newly constructed administrative building of the ICAR–Indian Institute of Maize Research (ICAR–IIMR) during his visit to Ludhiana, Punjab. The visit also included interactions with maize stakeholders, farmers, beneficiaries of rural development schemes, and members of women Self-Help Groups (SHGs), followed by a press conference on key agricultural initiatives for the state.
The event was also attended by Union Ministers of State Bhagirath Choudhary and Ravneet Singh Bittu, along with Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian.
In his address, Chouhan said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Central Government is prioritising increased foodgrain production, reduced input costs, and higher farmer incomes.
“After wheat and rice, maize is the third most important crop in India. Beyond being a food crop, it has multiple industrial uses and can serve as a sustainable alternative to paddy, conserving water while yielding better returns for farmers,” he said. The Minister highlighted the vital role of ICAR–IIMR in boosting maize productivity and supporting crop diversification in Punjab and across the country.
The Union Minister announced the release of ₹74 crore for the free distribution of wheat seeds to compensate farmers for crop losses in Punjab. Funds have also been allocated for mustard and other seed varieties.
Under the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, ₹222 crore has already been transferred in advance to the accounts of 11.09 lakh farmers. Additionally, assistance under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) will support horticulture farmers affected by crop damage.
Reiterating the Centre’s commitment to Punjab’s recovery from recent floods, Chouhan announced a ₹1,600 crore relief package. As part of this, ₹1.60 lakh per family has been approved for the reconstruction of 36,703 damaged houses, including ₹1.20 lakh for building costs and ₹40,000 for labour and toilet facilities.
The Minister urged citizens to prioritise Swadeshi products to strengthen local economies. “By supporting indigenous products, we not only promote self-reliance but also ensure prosperity for our local communities,” he said, highlighting the role of rural industries in national economic growth.
Later, Chouhan interacted with farmers at a Kisan Chaupal in Nurpur Bet village, observed live demonstrations of agricultural machinery, and visited the ‘Samanyu Honey’ Beekeeping Centre in Doraha village.
Speaking to the media, the Union Minister commended the farmers of Nurpur Bet, noting that the village has not engaged in stubble burning since 2017 and has instead adopted sustainable residue management practices. He explained that after harvesting with combine machines, a large portion of the stubble remains evenly spread across the field, making it easier to manage.
Highlighting technological advancements, the Union Minister said the Happy Smart Seeder represents an innovative technique that simultaneously covers the stubble, compacts the soil, and ensures efficient seed placement. Chouhan emphasized that the use of modern agricultural machinery helps farmers save labour, time, and money.
The Union Agriculture Minister further explained that adopting proper stubble management and direct seeding methods improves soil fertility over time. “Within two years, the nitrogen content in the soil will increase, reducing the need for urea, while crop yields will rise by about two quintals per acre,” Chouhan said. He urged all farmers to avoid stubble burning and manage crop residue responsibly to promote sustainable agriculture.