Moga (Gurpreet Singh): Union Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan made a stop in Moga district on Thursday, continuing his statewide tour aimed at strengthening dialogue with Punjab’s farming community. The visit centred on assessing rural projects and hearing directly from villagers about the hurdles they face.
At Ransih Kalan village, residents gathered to greet the Minister with traditional warmth. Chouhan spent time at the home of Sarpanch Mintu, where he shared a simple village meal featuring makki di roti, sarson da saag and lassi. Seated comfortably on a charpai, he remarked that Punjab’s hospitality and community spirit remain unmatched and are a vital part of the region’s identity.
Farmers raised key concerns during their interaction with the Minister, particularly the ongoing struggles around stubble disposal and the need for sustainable alternatives. Chouhan acknowledged the seriousness of the problem but noted that the right mix of policy support and technological options could help farmers turn crop residue into an economic asset. He praised Punjab’s substantial drop in stubble-burning cases, calling the state’s efforts a promising template for the rest of India.
Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar, accompanying the Minister, reinforced the importance of understanding the root causes of stubble burning. He said that while the issue demands urgent attention, the long-term answer lies in solutions that are practical, affordable and farmer-led.
Chouhan also met beneficiaries of various central schemes, reviewing how well the initiatives are working at the grassroots level and gathering firsthand feedback. Earlier in the day, he applauded Ransih Kalan for its community-led environmental efforts and social initiatives, describing the village as an example of what rural collaboration can achieve.
The Moga visit, marked by open discussions and a glimpse into everyday village life, underscored the government’s message of keeping farmers at the core of its development priorities.
