NewKerala.com

Punjab CM Mann Opposes Seed Act, Demands State's Inclusion in Farm Laws

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann met Union Home Minister Amit Shah to formally oppose the proposed central Seed Act, arguing Punjab must be consulted on any agricultural legislation. He reiterated Punjab's stance that the Satluj Yamuna Link (SYL) canal issue is closed as the state has no surplus water. The meeting also covered procurement of wheat and rice, and Mann demanded the release of pending Rural Development Fund dues for market infrastructure. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has called the proposed Seed Act a historic step for farmer protection and seed traceability.

Key Points: Punjab CM Mann Meets Amit Shah, Opposes Central Seed Act

  • Opposes Central Seed Act
  • Raises SYL canal water dispute
  • Discusses wheat & rice procurement
  • Demands release of RDF funds
3 min read

"If Punjab not included, how can you make such an act?": Bhagwant Mann opposes Seed Act

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann meets Amit Shah, opposes Seed Act 2026, raises SYL canal, FCI appointments, and RDF funds. Demands Punjab's consultation.

"If Punjab is not included in any seed act, regarding what seeds to sow in the land, then how can you make such an act? - Bhagwant Mann"

New Delhi, January 17

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the national capital and conveyed the state government's opposition to the proposed Seed Act, which the Centre plans to table in the upcoming Budget Session to replace the existing 1966 legislation.

After the meeting, he said Punjab, being an agrarian state, must be consulted on any legislation related to seeds and agriculture.

"We met with Amit Shah. We have opposed the Seed Act. Punjab is an agrarian state, an agriculture-dominated province. If Punjab is not included in any seed act, regarding what seeds to sow in the land, then how can you make such an act?" CM Mann told ANI.

The Chief Minister said Punjab already has its own Seed Act. He also raised the issue of the Satluj Yamuna Link (SYL) canal, reiterating the state's long-standing position that there is no surplus water available.

Mann further stated that discussions were held on Food and Civil Supplies-related issues, including the procurement of wheat and rice in the coming season. He also raised concerns about the appointment of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) General Manager, noting that the post has traditionally been held by a Punjab officer.

"SYL, there is no water. The matter is over. The issue is finished. Regarding the Food and Civil Supplies, we have to supply them with wheat. How to procure in the coming days, how to procure rice, and the FCI GM, who has always been from Punjab, this time, another officer has come. We demanded that someone from Punjab who understands its culture and markets be there," CM Mann said.

Moreover, the Chief Minister sought the release of pending Rural Development Fund (RDF) dues, stating that the funds are crucial for developing roads leading to mandis.

"The RDF (Rural Development Fund) money, which is now coming in different instalments. The RDF money is for the roads leading to the markets, so release it," he said.

On Friday, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan called the proposed Seed Act, 2026, a historic step aimed at ensuring farmers' protection, seed quality and transparency across the system, a release said.

Responding to media queries, Chouhan said a nationwide seed traceability system will now be established.

"Farmers will now know the complete story of every seed. We have tried to create a system through which it can be known where the seed was produced, which dealer supplied it and who sold it," he said.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While I understand the need for state consultation, a national traceability system for seeds sounds like a good step forward for farmer protection and quality control. Hopefully, they can find a middle ground that incorporates Punjab's expertise.
P
Priyanka N
Finally, someone is talking about the RDF funds! Those roads to mandis are in terrible condition. Releasing the pending dues is crucial for farmers to get their produce to market without damage. Good on CM for raising all these practical issues. đź‘Ź
A
Aman W
The SYL issue is a closed chapter. No surplus water. Repeatedly bringing this up feels like political posturing when there are more immediate concerns like procurement and seed quality that need collaborative solutions.
K
Karthik V
As a farmer from Haryana, I see both sides. A strong national seed law is needed to stop fake seeds. But it's true, Punjab's experience is unmatched. Their input is vital. The FCI GM point is valid too—local knowledge matters for procurement.
M
Michael C
This seems like a classic center-state tussle. While the Chief Minister's defense of state interests is his job, framing it as "how can you make such an act" without Punjab might be counterproductive. Better to propose specific amendments based on Punjab's existing Act.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50