Capt seeks leap from farm to biz

Vijay C Roy

Tribune News Service

Mohali, December 5

Describing the manufacturing sector as an imperative component for the growth of economy, Punjab CM Capt Amarinder Singh today said the state had transformed the agriculture sector and had the potential to replicate the success in industry too. He was speaking at the Investors’ Summit here today.

“When Green Revolution was launched in the 60s, Punjab farmers didn’t know how to grow rice. It was not the staple food of the people of the state. However, the farmers cultivated rice because of assured returns and made money. More production led to more money. In the same manner, I am of the view that they can transform the manufacturing sector too,” the Chief Minister said. 

Stressing the need to help people shift from agriculture to industry as surplus produce had made agriculture non-viable, Capt Amarinder said by providing the right employment avenues, industry could help check migration of Punjab’s youth to foreign lands. “If the youth get the right opportunity here, they will not leave the state,” he stressed.

Citing various measures initiated by his government to facilitate industrial growth, which he said was imperative for Punjab’s development, he said the focus was on providing investors and industry the right environment and promoting Punjab as a preferred destination. The industrial policy-2017 had plugged several weaknesses, he said, adding that single-window clearance, online application and approval, power subsidy, amendments in key legislations related to business as well as water regulation were facilitating investors in a big way. “Punjab does not have any labour problem,” he noted, terming the state’s educated and committed workforce as a major asset. The CM stressed on the need to provide continuity to industry for expanding business in Punjab.”Stability is a key component to provide an enabling environment for industrial growth and we are committed to it,” he said. Delegates at Punjab Summit spoke of the need for continuity and stability in policies.