Chandigarh, Dec 19 (NationPress) Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian reiterated on Thursday to farmer leaders that the state government is committed to safeguarding farmers' interests against any adverse effects of the National Policy Framework on Agricultural Marketing. The Minister engaged in comprehensive discussions with leaders from various farmer unions regarding the draft policy of the National Policy Framework on Agricultural Marketing during this meeting.

"The state government is vigilant regarding this policy as it could have grave consequences for both the state and its farmers, hence we are keen to scrutinize and consult on every facet of the draft policy provided by the government of India," the Minister stated. He further emphasized the importance of bringing in agriculture experts and other relevant stakeholders for a thorough evaluation to ensure that no detail is overlooked.

Khudian, alongside Additional Chief Secretary for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Anurag Verma, Chairman of the Punjab State Farmers' and Farm Workers' Commission, Sukhpal Singh, and Punjab Mandi Board Secretary Ramvir, urged farmers to submit their suggestions and feedback to the Agriculture Department.

Leaders of the farmer unions, including Joginder Singh Ugrahan, Balbir Singh Rajewal, Darshan Pal, Ruldu Singh Mansa, Satnam Singh Ajnala, and others, voiced their serious concerns about the potential for privatization and monopolistic practices masquerading as policy. They expressed fears that this could be a move to reintroduce the controversial provisions of the three farm laws that were repealed by the Union government following widespread protests by farmers.

They also called on the state government for a more thorough investigation before responding to the Centre, to ensure that the interests of Punjab and its farmers are fully protected.

The high-level meeting also included Special Secretary for Agriculture Harbir Singh, Director of Agriculture Jaswant Singh, Director of Research at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) in Ludhiana, Ajmer Singh Dhatt, and senior officials from the Punjab Mandi Board and the Agriculture Department.