New Delhi (Gurpreet Singh): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi on Saturday to voice his state’s objections to the proposed Seed Bill, 2026, and to discuss a host of other pressing issues affecting Punjab. The Bill is slated for introduction in the upcoming Budget Session of Parliament.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Mann criticised the legislation for potentially threatening traditional farming practices in Punjab. “Our farmers have always saved seeds for the next season. Under this Bill, private companies could dictate which seeds they buy, and that is unacceptable,” Mann said. He added that Shah assured him the concerns would be relayed to the relevant authorities.
Punjab had not shared its feedback on the Bill until Saturday, when it reportedly sent a formal letter to the Centre opposing it. The legislation seeks to replace the Indian Seed Act of 1966 and the Seed (Control) Order of 1983. Critics argue that the Bill could disproportionately impact small farmers by requiring registration and Value for Cultivation and Use (VCU) testing for all seed varieties, introducing QR-code traceability, and imposing severe penalties, including fines up to Rs 30 lakh and imprisonment of up to three years for non-compliance.
Border and Water Issues
Mann also raised border-related challenges, including the barbed-wire fencing along the India-Pakistan border in Punjab. He noted that the current buffer zone restricts farmers’ access to their land, requiring them to carry ID cards and be accompanied by BSF personnel. Mann proposed reducing the restricted zone from 2 km to 300 meters to allow smoother access, and Shah reportedly said the matter was under review.
The Chief Minister also touched upon the long-standing Satluj Yamuna Link (SYL) canal dispute, stressing that Punjab currently has no surplus water to share and urging resolution through dialogue.
Administrative and Development Concerns
On administrative fronts, Mann pressed for faster clearance of foodgrain stocks from godowns to accommodate the upcoming wheat procurement target of 125 million tonnes. He also raised pending commission dues for agents and suggested a 60:40 officer posting ratio between Punjab and Haryana in Chandigarh, particularly recommending that the Food Corporation of India’s General Manager post go to a Punjab officer. Shah reportedly agreed to consider a panel of three candidates.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the pending Rural Development Fund (RDF) dues of Rs 8,500 crore, emphasizing the need for rural road development to aid grain transportation. Shah assured prompt action, including release of the first instalment after official consultations.
Other Matters
Regarding the controversy over Delhi AAP leader Atishi’s video, Mann suggested that any investigation should proceed through proper legal channels. He reiterated that forensic findings and court directives had cleared her of wrongdoing and urged political parties to avoid unnecessary politicisation of the issue.
The meeting reflects Punjab’s assertive approach in communicating its priorities on agriculture, administration, and infrastructure as the parliamentary session approaches.
