Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Saturday to discuss a wide range of issues concerning the state, with particular emphasis on border management and the difficulties faced by farmers living and working along the international boundary. Mann described the interaction as constructive and said the discussions showed encouraging progress on long-pending concerns of farmers whose agricultural land lies beyond the existing security fencing.
Sharing details of the meeting, Mann said that several important matters were taken up, including access to farmlands located outside the border fence and provisions of the proposed Seed Bill. He explained that farmers in these border areas face daily hardships, as they are required to cross the security fence with identity cards and under escort of the Border Security Force in order to reach their fields, making routine agricultural activity both time-consuming and stressful.
According to the Chief Minister, a key positive outcome of the meeting was the Home Minister’s agreement in principle to move the border fencing closer to the international boundary. Mann said this step could significantly ease the problems faced by farmers, as it would allow thousands of acres of fertile land currently lying beyond the fence to be brought back into regular and unhindered cultivation.
He added that the state government had specifically demanded that the area beyond the existing fence be extended for farmers who cultivate land there, so that they can work without fear, restrictions or repeated checks. Mann said the Home Minister assured him that the issue is under active consideration and would be resolved at the earliest, offering relief to farming families in border districts.
The Chief Minister also raised strong objections to the proposed Seeds Bill 2025 during the meeting. He argued that the draft legislation weakens Punjab’s role despite the state being one of the country’s most important agricultural and grain-producing regions. Mann pointed out that while Punjab plays a crucial role in national food security, the Bill does not ensure the state’s representation as mandated under the relevant provisions.
He further criticised the zone-based system proposed in the Bill, saying it fails to guarantee Punjab’s representation in the Central Seed Committee, unlike the existing framework. Mann expressed concern that the draft legislation reduces the powers of state-level institutions and does not adequately safeguard farmers’ interests.
Another major issue flagged by the Chief Minister was the absence of a strong compensation mechanism for farmers. He said the draft Bill is silent on how farmers would be compensated if registered seeds fail to perform as promised, leaving cultivators vulnerable to financial losses without adequate legal protection.
Mann also reiterated Punjab’s firm and long-standing opposition to the Satlej Yamuna Link canal project. He maintained that Punjab has no surplus water to share with any other state and cited declining water levels in the Satlej, Ravi and Beas rivers as evidence. Calling the project unjust and harmful, he said there is absolutely no question of constructing the canal, as it goes against the interests of Punjab and its people.
In addition, the Chief Minister highlighted logistical and financial challenges related to foodgrain procurement and movement. He said limited storage capacity has slowed the clearance of procured grain, creating operational bottlenecks. Mann also pointed out that commissions and statutory dues have not been paid, noting that the Arthia Commission has remained frozen since the 2019–20 procurement season.
He further added that the Rural Development Fund has not been reimbursed despite the state following all central guidelines, stressing that these unresolved financial issues are putting additional pressure on Punjab’s agricultural economy and rural infrastructure.
