Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh) — In a bid to check environmental pollution and accelerate regional economic momentum, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann met with a delegation from the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) on Wednesday, calling for stronger collaboration to tackle crop residue management through sustainable, technology-driven methods. The discussions centred on harmonizing green agricultural practices with aggressive industrial and skill-building initiatives designed to position Punjab as a premier destination for business investment and job creation.
The Chief Minister stressed the urgent need to address stubble burning by prioritizing climate resilience, resource efficiency, and green technology, urging targeted measures across the Malwa belt, especially in Sangrur and Barnala where Parmal paddy cultivation remains widespread. Emphasizing that farmers require practical and affordable alternatives, Mann highlighted that joint efforts between the provincial government and industry leaders are critical to safeguarding environmental health while securing agricultural productivity.
Beyond crop management, the meeting outlined plans to elevate Punjab’s horticulture infrastructure through global technological exchange. The Chief Minister confirmed government support for CII to facilitate the participation of the World Horticulture Centre during the upcoming CII Agro Tech India 2026 summit, noting that local farmers and agro-processing businesses stand to gain significantly from international expertise and modern farming methodologies.
To complement agrarian reforms with industrial growth, Mann pledged comprehensive assistance for CII’s proposed Multi-Skill Training Institute in Ludhiana, framing it as an essential pipeline to equip local youth with technical expertise aligned with modern manufacturing standards. In parallel, he urged the industry body to examine the feasibility of establishing a Centre of Excellence for Technical Textiles complete with an advanced testing laboratory in Jalandhar, alongside a specialized skill centre dedicated to defence manufacturing.
Addressing foundational infrastructure needs, the Chief Minister reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring uninterrupted, high-quality power across key industrial hubs while resolving logistical bottlenecks that raise the cost of commerce. By uniting government policy with industrial capability, the administration aims to create a robust economic ecosystem that drives employment, modernizes manufacturing, and secures a cleaner ecological future for the state.
