Not against pvt firms, but need to save farmers: CM

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 17

Inaugurating the USA-Punjab Investors’ Meet, Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Tuesday said his government was not against corporates. “We are not against corporates, but there has to be a regulation to protect the farmers and the long-standing relationship they have with the arhtiyas,” he said.

Any attempt to do away with this system would not work, he asserted, adding that his government had brought in Bills to negate the impact of the Central farm laws and also taken up the issue with the Prime Minister and Home Minister.

“We have to ensure food security,” he pointed out, adding that while India was currently exporting wheat, it did not mean that the surplus foodgrain would remain forever. “The country has to keep its reserves,” he said.

Appreciating the growing interest of American companies in Punjab, which contributes 3 per cent to India’s GDP with just 1.5 per cent of the country’s land area, the Chief Minister said while it was predominantly an agricultural state and home to India’s Green Revolution, his government wanted agriculture to boom, with greater growth in the overseas market. Inviting the investors to enjoy the state’s unique business-friendly culture that promoted entrepreneurship, he said the USA was the top export destination ($685 million amounting to approx 12 per cent of Punjab’s total exports in 2019-20) for Punjab-based companies.

At the outset, the Chief Minister congratulated the US on the completion of its electoral process and election of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as the President and Vice-President elects, respectively.

He hoped this would usher in a new era of cooperation and friendship between the the US and Punjab.

Underlining the role played by the vibrant Punjabi NRI population in the US, the CM said they were working hard to bring success to their countries.

‘Want agri growth overseas’

Appreciating the growing interest of American companies in Punjab, which contributes 3% to India’s GDP with just 1.5% of the country’s land area, CM Capt Amarinder Singh said while it was predominantly an agricultural state and home to India's Green Revolution, his government wanted agriculture to boom, with greater growth in the overseas market