Punjab Minister Urges Swift Approval of Next Generation Cotton Seeds

Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian met with Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to expedite research and approval of BG-3 cotton seeds. Khudian highlighted pest attacks on current crops and requested changes to funding for agricultural schemes. He also discussed fertilizer shortages and incentives for farmers.

Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian on Thursday met Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, seeking his personal intervention in speeding up research and early approval of the next generation BG-3 cotton seeds.

Khudian expressed deep concern over pest attacks, particularly by pink bollworm and whitefly, on the cotton crop. Khudian, who met the Union Minister in Delhi, emphasized the need to replace the current BG-2 cotton seeds with advanced varieties to combat these pest issues, an official release said.

In addition, Khudian thanked Chouhan for granting approval to the state agricultural statistics authority (SASA), which he said will enhance planning, monitoring, research, and development efforts in Punjab's agricultural sector. He also raised various agrarian concerns, including the implementation of the crop residue management (CRM) scheme, release of funds under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, and the continuous supply of fertilizers.

(With inputs from agencies.)