Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann engaged in comprehensive talks with a delegation from South Korea in Chandigarh on Saturday, with a strong emphasis on advancing agricultural practices through technology and collaboration. The meeting centered on key areas such as smart farming techniques, sophisticated agricultural machinery, and biotechnology applications to transform Punjab's agrarian landscape.
Focus on Making Agriculture Profitable Through Cooperation
Sharing insights from the meeting on social media platform X, Mann highlighted that the primary objective is to strengthen mutual cooperation between Punjab and South Korea, aiming to make agriculture a more profitable venture for farmers. He noted that the delegation expressed appreciation for Punjab's rich cultural heritage and its favorable working environment, which sets the stage for productive partnerships.
Invitation to Progressive Punjab Investors' Summit 2026
In a significant move to foster deeper ties, the Korean delegation was cordially invited to participate in the upcoming Progressive Punjab Investors' Summit 2026. This event is scheduled to take place in Mohali from March 13 to 15, 2026, offering a platform for showcasing investment opportunities and industrial collaborations.
Addressing Challenges of Shrinking Landholdings
An official involved in the discussions pointed out that this engagement underscores the Punjab government's commitment to leveraging South Korea's technological expertise. This initiative is particularly crucial in addressing the pressing issue of shrinking landholdings, which has made farming increasingly unviable for small and marginal farmers in the state.
Mann elaborated on this challenge during the meeting, stating that Punjab, as a predominantly agrarian state, has historically played a pivotal role in achieving national self-reliance in food production. However, he emphasized that due to land fragmentation, agriculture is no longer a profitable endeavor for a significant portion of the farming community.
Technological Interventions and Investment Opportunities
Stressing the urgent need for technological interventions, Mann expressed Punjab's keen interest in attracting investment from South Korea in the small agriculture machinery sector. He highlighted South Korea's extensive experience and proven expertise in this field, noting that innovations like vertical farming and efficient mechanization have emerged there precisely because of similar challenges with small landholdings.
This makes South Korea's experience highly relevant and valuable for Punjab's agricultural sector, offering practical solutions that can be adapted to local conditions.
Historical Context and Future Prospects
Mann also drew parallels between India and South Korea, noting that both nations gained independence around the same period and faced poverty as a primary challenge. He credited Punjab Agricultural University for supporting Punjab in overcoming this challenge by transforming the state into a food-surplus region.
The discussions are expected to build momentum for broader industrial and investment partnerships, positioning Punjab as a hub for agricultural innovation and sustainable farming practices through international cooperation.
