Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated the new administrative building at the ICAR–Indian Institute of Maize Research (IIMR) in Ludhiana, Punjab. During his visit, he engaged directly with maize stakeholders, farmers, rural development beneficiaries, and women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and highlighted the latest government initiatives to support Punjab’s agricultural and rural development efforts.
Strengthening Agricultural Infrastructure and Engagement
The event was attended by Union and state ministers including Shri Bhagirath Choudhary (MoS, Agriculture), Shri Ravneet Singh Bittu (MoS, Railways & Food Processing Industries), and Punjab’s Agriculture Minister Shri Gurmeet Singh Khudian. Shri Chouhan underscored the government’s commitment to enhancing foodgrain production, reducing costs, and raising farm incomes under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He stressed the strategic importance of maize as India’s third-largest crop, noting its growing significance for food, industry, and as a sustainable replacement for paddy to conserve water.
Financial Support for Farmers and Flood Relief
Highlighting recent central government support for Punjab:
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₹74 crore has been allocated for the free supply of wheat seeds to offset crop losses.
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Advance transfer of ₹222 crore under PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi has reached 11.09 lakh farmers.
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₹1,600 crore has been sanctioned for flood-affected families, including ₹1.60 lakh per family for 36,703 damaged homes—covering house reconstruction, labor, and toilet facilities.
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Funds for mustard and other seed varieties and horticulture sector support have also been approved.
The Minister’s visit also included direct discussions with rural SHGs and the distribution of approval letters for home reconstruction in disaster-affected regions.
Promoting Agricultural Diversification and “Swadeshi”
Shri Chouhan reaffirmed the value of agricultural diversification, especially the role of maize in supporting productivity and ecological balance. He called on citizens to prefer Indian-made (“Swadeshi”) products, arguing this would empower local artisans, foster self-reliance, and elevate India’s economic resilience and prosperity.
Conclusion: ICAR
The inauguration marks a substantial boost to agricultural research infrastructure in Punjab and evidence of the Centre’s efforts at grassroots engagement. Key announcements on flood relief, direct subsidies, and diversification incentives highlight a multi-pronged strategy to strengthen Punjab’s farmers and rural economy in 2025 and beyond.
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Source: PIB
