Punjab News: Congress leader and Kapurthala MLA Rana Gurjit Singh on Monday (October 6) reaffirmed his promise to Punjab’s farmers, announcing that maize crops will be purchased at ₹2,400 per quintal under the Minimum Support Price (MSP). He said the move will motivate farmers to shift from paddy to maize cultivation, promoting water conservation and crop diversification in the state.
Every Grain to Be Purchased at MSP
Rana Gurjit Singh stated, “I had assured farmers that maize would be procured at harvest time — and today, I am here to fulfill that promise. We will buy every grain of maize grown by farmers at the official MSP of ₹2,400 per quintal.”
He mentioned that a list of maize-growing farmers has been prepared, in coordination with the state government, and his team will soon contact each farmer to ensure smooth procurement.
Maize to Be Used for Ethanol Production
Highlighting the purpose behind the procurement, Singh said that his family, which is involved in the sugar industry, will purchase maize for ethanol production.
He explained that this initiative will give farmers a more profitable and sustainable alternative to paddy, as maize is used in ethanol, animal feed, and poultry industries.
He urged farmers to adopt less water-intensive crops like maize instead of paddy, which heavily depletes groundwater.
Concern Over Declining Paddy Yield
The MLA expressed concern about the declining paddy yield in Punjab, revealing that around 25% of the current season’s crop has been affected by the Loose Smut disease.
He said, “Farmers will face losses this season. We must rethink our crop pattern.”
He added that his son, Rana Inder Pratap Singh, an independent MLA from Sultanpur Lodhi, has already raised this issue in the Punjab Assembly, urging the government to take concrete steps for farmers’ support.
“Punjab Could Turn into a Desert”
Rana Gurjit Singh raised a serious alarm about the falling groundwater levels in Punjab.
He said, “The Central Ground Water Board has warned that if groundwater is not replenished, Punjab could turn into a desert within 25 years. In some regions, water levels have dropped to 500 feet and continue to fall by about one meter each year.”
He proposed utilizing floodwater from Himachal Pradesh and Jammu catchment areas for groundwater recharge, saying that floodwater should be treated as a resource rather than waste.
Call for a National-Level Scientific Committee
Singh urged both the Central and State Governments to form a committee of top national and international scientists to study the issue using satellite mapping and flood pattern analysis.
He said this would help identify water flow routes and develop strategies for better water management and disaster preparedness.
Preparing for Future Climate Challenges
Referring to the floods in 2019, 2023, and 2025, Rana Gurjit Singh said Punjab must prepare for future climate-induced disasters.
He emphasized the need for a strong, well-coordinated system for managing water releases from Ranjit Sagar Dam (RSD) and other catchment areas to prevent future crises.
He concluded by saying, “The recent floods have shown that Punjab needs a comprehensive plan — one that ensures both water management and the long-term safety of our farmers.”
