Capt directs PAU to send scientists, farmers to Israel to study agri model

THE CM ALSO URGED CENTRE TO PAY ₹100 PER QUINTAL TO THOSE FARMERS WHO DO NOT INDULGE IN STUBBLE BURNING

CHANDIGARH : Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Friday directed Punjab Agricultural University vice-chancellor to send a delegation of scientists, experts besides progressive farmers to Israel for studying their model of agriculture development and water management.

The CM, while virtually reviewing the functioning of agriculture, horticulture and soil conservation departments, also lauded efforts to promote Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) technology, which would help in saving irrigation water besides overcoming the shortage of labour due to reverse migration.

He hoped that the department would accomplish the target of 1 million hectare under DSR during the current Kharif season.

Amarinder also emphasised the need to incentivise farmers to not to burn paddy stubble, and requested that the Centre should pay Rs 100 per quintal to those farmers who do not indulge in the practice.

Finance minister Manpreet Singh Badal asked departmental officers to ensure the delivery of services to farmers in a fair and transparent manner.

Punjab State Farmers Commission chairman Ajayvir Jakhar and additional chief secretary, development, Anirudh Tewari were among those present at the meeting.