Agriculture is no longer profitable, AI now necessary to save farmers from crisis: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann
Punjab fed nation but paid with its soil & water, time to protect farmers’ future: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann
Leaders who promoted drugs and crime are coming together to again ruin Punjab, people must stay alert: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann
Those mocking ₹1,000 aid to women don’t understand struggles of common people, they spend ₹5,000 on one meal: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann
I have no share in buses, dhabas, sand or liquor, my only share is in people’s pain: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann
LUDHIANA, 20th March, 2026:
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday positioned Artificial Intelligence (AI) as the next big turning point for Punjab’s agriculture, arguing that traditional farming has hit its limits and can no longer sustain farmers’ incomes. Making a strong case for technological intervention, he said the move is aimed at reversing declining profitability, reducing pressure on natural resources, and securing the future of farmers.
At the same time, he sharpened his political attack on the opposition, calling them out for pushing Punjab into crisis through years of neglect, and asserted that his government is now rebuilding the state with reform-driven policies focused on farmers, infrastructure, and welfare.
Addressing the state-level Kisan Mela at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Punjab has been the food bowl of the country, making India self-reliant in food production. The hardworking and resilient farmers of the state scripted a new chapter during the Green Revolution of the 1960s. However, in serving the nation, farmers have sacrificed precious natural resources like fertile soil and water.”
He noted the growing crisis in agriculture, stating, “With shrinking profit margins, agriculture is no longer a profitable proposition, and farmers are struggling for basic subsistence. The production potential of existing crop technologies has nearly plateaued. To enhance real farm incomes and check over-exploitation of resources, it is imperative to introduce AI in agriculture.”
Highlighting the benefits of the move, the Chief Minister said, “This technology will guide farmers on what crops to sow and when, to maximise both profit and productivity. Punjab has always been a frontrunner in adopting innovation, and AI will revolutionise this sector. Its introduction is the need of the hour to safeguard farmers’ interests.”
Listing pro-farmer initiatives, he continued, “For the first time, more than eight hours of uninterrupted power was supplied to farm tube wells during the paddy season. Farmers are now receiving daytime electricity for irrigation, transforming their lives. Punjab farmers are also getting the highest sugarcane price in the country at ₹416 per quintal. Every year, around ₹80,000 crore is paid to farmers for wheat and paddy procurement, with payments transferred directly to bank accounts within 24 hours. Between 2022 and 2025, ₹6,700 crore has been spent on canal lining, repair, and modernisation, which is 300% more than previous years. Canal irrigation usage has increased from 20.90 lakh acres in 2022 to 58 lakh acres today.”
Emphasising irrigation expansion, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Canal irrigation capacity has doubled, with irrigated area rising from 2.23 million acres in 2022 to 5.8 million acres in 2025. As many as 15,539 canals have been cleaned and 18,349 water channels restored. Canal water has reached 1,444 villages after decades. Additionally, 101 abandoned canals spanning 545 km have been revived, and the Ferozepur Feeder Canal was upgraded in a record 35 days, increasing capacity by 2,682 cusecs.”
He added that after 75 years, the Sirhind Canal has been upgraded, increasing its capacity by 2,844 cusecs. The 22-km-long Sarhali Minor canal, buried underground for decades, has been traced and made operational again. The Bhakra Canal has a capacity of 9,500 cusecs, but we have increased supply to 10,000 cusecs, effectively creating a new canal without acquiring a single inch of land. For decades, farmers depended on rotational water supply, but this system has now ended, providing major relief. Despite having just 3% of the country’s agricultural land, Punjab contributes around 40% of wheat and 31% of rice to the national pool. Punjab is rightly called the Food Bowl of India, and farmers along with PAU have played a crucial role.”
Highlighting academic excellence, he noted, “As per the National Institutional Ranking Framework, PAU ranked first among 75 public agricultural universities in 2023, 2024, and 2025. According to EduRank, it is among the top 100 institutions globally. The government is committed to further upgrading its infrastructure.”
Highlighting diversification, the Chief Minister added, “A ₹1,300 crore project supported by JICA has been approved to expand horticulture. Investments in machinery, infrastructure, marketing, seeds, and research will increase horticulture area from 3.56 lakh hectares to 16 lakh hectares by 2036, a 300% rise. Punjab is also likely to host the Asia Cup Hockey after a long gap.”
Pointing to women-centric welfare, he further added, “Under the Maavan Dhian Satkar Yojana, every woman will receive ₹1,000 per month, and ₹1,500 for Scheduled Caste women. Funds will be directly transferred to bank accounts, and even those receiving pensions will be eligible. Around 97% of women will benefit, with ₹9,300 crore allocated. Registration begins from April 13. Those mocking this scheme do not understand the value of ₹1,000 for common people. Those who spend over ₹5,000 on a single meal from illegally earned money fail to appreciate its importance. Their families may not need it, but for ordinary people, it is meaningful support.”
Targeting the opposition, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “While the government works tirelessly for people’s welfare, opposition leaders only seek a share in success. These forces promoted drugs and crime, which is why people removed them from power. Now they have united again, and Punjabis must unite to defeat them. I have no share in buses, dhabas, sand, or liquor businesses. My only share is in the pain of Punjabis, and I am committed to addressing their problems. Traditional leaders ruined Punjab, and their hands are stained with its suffering. Punjab was once a prosperous state, but greedy leaders destroyed it for personal gain. People have already taught them a lesson, and the time is coming to push them into complete political oblivion.”
Taking aim at Akali leadership, he said, “Sukhbir Singh Badal is the biggest and a chronic liar, driven only by selfish motives. The Badal family only waits for power to plunder the state. They have no concern for Punjab or its people and only seek to misuse power.”
He further listed initiatives by the AAP government, stating, “The government has launched a major programme to repair 43,000 km of link roads across Punjab. Along with repair, their maintenance will also be ensured for the next five years. The state organised events to mark the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji with reverence. Nagar Kirtans were held across the state, culminating at Sri Anandpur Sahib. A special Vidhan Sabha session was also held there on November 24, 2025 to pay tributes.”
On the occasion, Cabinet Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian and others were also present.
