BJP president Nitin Nabin on Monday met noted agricultural economist and Padma Bhushan awardee Sardara Singh Johl at his residence in Ludhiana to discuss issues concerning the agriculture sector, including crop diversification. The meeting was part of Nabin's three-day visit to Punjab, which concluded on Monday.
Extensive Discussions on Agricultural Policy
In a post on X, Nabin said that during his Punjab visit, he met renowned agricultural economist Johl at his residence. "Dr Sardara Singh Johl Ji is one of the country's leading agricultural economists. As Vice-Chancellor of Punjab Agricultural University and Chairman of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP), he played a pivotal role in shaping the country's agriculture policy through crop diversification and agricultural reforms," he noted.
Focus on Farmers and Crop Diversification
Nabin said he held extensive discussion with Johl on Punjab's agricultural system, issues related to farmers, crop diversification, and the overall development of the agricultural sector. The BJP president was accompanied by Punjab BJP president Kewal Singh Dhillon and state general secretary Anil Sarin.
The meeting comes at a crucial time as Punjab heads toward elections, with agricultural distress and crop diversification being key voter concerns. Johl, a former chairman of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices, has long advocated for shifting Punjab's agriculture away from the wheat-paddy cycle to reduce groundwater depletion and improve farmer incomes.
Impact on Punjab's Agricultural Future
According to sources, the discussion also touched upon the implementation of the Central government's schemes for farmers and the need for policy interventions to address stubble burning and soil health. Nabin's engagement with Johl signals the BJP's focus on agricultural reforms in the state, where the party is seeking to expand its base among farmers.
