Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan visited the Indian Council of Agricultural Research–Indian Institute of Maize Research (ICAR–IIMR) in Ludhiana, Punjab, where he inaugurated the newly constructed administrative building. During the visit, he interacted with maize stakeholders, farmers, beneficiaries of rural development schemes, and members of women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs). He also addressed a press conference, outlining key Central Government initiatives and development programs for Punjab in the fields of agriculture and rural development.
The event was attended by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Bhagirath Choudhary, Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Industries Ravneet Singh Bittu, and Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian.
Chouhan emphasized that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government’s foremost priorities are to increase foodgrain production, reduce input costs, and raise farmers’ incomes. He noted that while India is self-sufficient in wheat and rice, diversification in agriculture is essential for long-term sustainability.
“After wheat and rice, maize is the third most important crop in our country. Beyond being a food crop, it has multiple industrial uses. Maize can also serve as a sustainable alternative to paddy, conserving water while yielding better returns for farmers,” Chouhan said.
He highlighted the crucial role of the Indian Institute of Maize Research, which has significantly contributed to improving maize productivity and supporting agricultural diversification across regions. The institute’s work, he said, aligns with the national objective of achieving food security while promoting environmentally sustainable farming.
During the event, the Minister announced that the Central Government has released ₹74 crore for the free distribution of wheat seeds to farmers affected by crop losses in Punjab. Funds have also been approved for mustard and other seed varieties to aid recovery and productivity.
Under the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, Chouhan stated that ₹222 crore has been transferred in advance to the accounts of 11.09 lakh farmers in Punjab. Additionally, financial support under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) will be extended to farmers impacted in the horticulture sector.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to Punjab’s recovery and resilience, Chouhan said that the Prime Minister is deeply concerned about the flood damage in the State. To assist affected families, the Central Government has sanctioned ₹1,600 crore, including ₹1.60 lakh per family for the reconstruction of 36,703 damaged houses. The package allocates ₹1.20 lakh for housing construction and ₹40,000 for labour and toilet facilities, ensuring comprehensive assistance to those in need.
Concluding his address, Chouhan urged citizens to prioritize Swadeshi (indigenous) products, stating that buying Indian-made goods empowers local artisans, retains national wealth, and strengthens the country’s economy. “By supporting indigenous products, we not only promote self-reliance but also ensure prosperity for our local communities,” he said.