MLA Kapurthala Unveils ‘Nawi Soch, Nawa Punjab’
Rana Gurjeet Singh Offers to lift Kharif maize produced in Punjab on MSP, stress for skill & entrepreneur development, industrial growth, crop diversification and remunerative prices for farmers
Faridkot March 30, 2025 (WISHAVWARTA):- In an impressive show at Jaito, Faridkot MLA Kapurthala Rana Gurjeet Singh outlined his vision under the mission “Nawi Soch, Nawa Punjab” to transform Punjab’s agriculture to a remunerative and profitable avocation and create new opportunities for the youth.
Speaking to thousands of farmers, he emphasized the urgent need to shift from traditional farming to an entrepreneurial approach while equipping Punjab’s youth with the skills needed for a better future.
Raising serious concerns about Punjab’s depleting water table Rana Gurjeet Singh, stating excessive paddy cultivation as a primary cause, he recalled the era when Malwa’s cotton industry thrived, supporting farmers, laborers, and textile mills – a cycle that was disturbed due to pink bollworm infestations.
Expressing his distress over this, he stated, “Malwa’s cotton farming once sustained farmers, labourers, and textile mills, but pink bollworm infestations have adversely impacted the industry, leading to fall in area to 98,000 hectares,” he said.
To restore cotton as a profitable alternative to paddy, he said, “I strongly advocate for the introduction of Bollgard-III, ensuring that crop is resistant from pink bollworm”.
Taking his vision ‘Nawi Soch, Nawa Punjab’ forward he proposed for providing solar panels instead of solar pumps, enabling farmers to generate electricity and sell it back to the grid.
“Punjab has 14.5 lakh tubewells, each of them can become a power-generating asset if we install solar panels over them,” he said. This will not only provide an additional source of income for farmers and significantly reduce the Punjab government’s electricity subsidy burden, he added.
Kapurthala Legislator Rana Gurjeet Singh emphasized that he had raised this issue in the Punjab Legislative Assembly, urging the government to act decisively.
Turning his attention to Punjab’s youth migration crisis, Rana Gurjeet Singh pointed out that many young Punjabis leave for foreign countries without proper skills, making it difficult for them to earn a sustainable living. “Migration is not wrong, but our youth must be skilled before they leave. If they are trained in high demand fields, they will not only earn well abroad but can also build successful careers here in Punjab.”
He called for a statewide skill development initiative, ensuring that Punjab produces job creators, not just job seekers. “A skilled workforce is the backbone of a strong economy. Our priority should be to equip our youth with technical and entrepreneurial skills so they can compete in global job markets.”
While discussing industrial growth in Punjab, he emphasized the need to revive the Faridkot sugar mills. He pointed out that while other states like Gujarat and Maharashtra support their cooperative sectors, Punjab has neglected this crucial industry. He stressed that ginning, spinning mills, and other industries must be strengthened to create jobs and drive economic growth in the state.
Highlighting the need for crop diversification, Rana Gurjeet Singh identified maize as a practical alternative to paddy, with applications in food, livestock feed, ethanol production, and industrial use.
To support farmers during this transition, he assured that announced a landmark commitment: “To ensure financial security for farmers, my son, MLA Sultanpur Lodhi Rana Inder Pratap Singh, and I will buy maize at MSP for two years. But the government must also step forward and support this initiative.”
Additionally, he proposed that instead of spending massive amounts on electricity subsidies, the government should directly support farmers financially. “Punjab’s government currently spends enormous sums on electricity subsidies. Why not redirect that money into direct financial assistance? The Punjab government must allocate ₹10,000 per acre, while the Centre should contribute ₹15,000 per acre to support farmers in adopting crop diversification.”
Earlier speaking on the occasion Sultanpur Lodhi MLA Rana Inder Partap Singh said that Punjab contributes just 10% of its maize requirement and rest 90% comes from Maharashtra, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Why can’t Punjab grow maize to fulfill state’s needs. He suggested for cultivating paddy in the controlled manner from March to June when canal water goes unused. He advocated for strengthening cooperative system for the support of farmers.
With a vision for self-reliance, economic prosperity, and sustainable growth, Rana Gurjeet Singh reaffirmed his commitment to making Punjab a land of opportunities for both farmers and the youth.
