On the eighth day of the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA) 2025, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, visited Punjab today, June 5, 2025, and engaged directly with farmers in Patiala district. During the visit, he praised the state’s immense contribution to India’s food security, calling Punjab “the land that fills the granaries of the country.”
Chouhan witnessed a demonstration of modern farming technology in Roni village, where a remote-controlled paddy transplanting machine was showcased. This innovative machine can transplant paddy over four acres in a single day, significantly reducing labor and improving efficiency.
He also took part in a hands-on experience by driving a tractor for direct seeding of paddy, an emerging method that saves water and reduces production costs. The minister appreciated Punjab farmers for adopting and experimenting with such advanced and sustainable techniques.
He highlighted the government’s goal of making Indian farmers more prosperous and self-reliant by promoting modern technology and spreading awareness of successful practices like direct seeding. Chouhan noted that these innovations would be introduced to farmers across the country as part of the broader VKSA initiative.
Launched on May 29, 2025, the campaign aims to reach every corner of India to empower farmers through technology, knowledge sharing, and better access to government schemes.
Alongside Union Minister Chouhan, Punjab’s Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian and Dr. Mangi Lal Jat, Secretary (DARE) and Director General of ICAR, were also present. They joined him at village Khedi Gandia in Patiala, where they listened to farmers’ concerns and provided information on government schemes.
Agricultural scientists and officials offered guidance on kharif crop planning, vegetable production, soil and water testing, integrated pest management, and natural farming.
