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Chandigarh, Sep 9 (PTI) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday called for closer collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) to accelerate sustainable crop residue management, strengthen horticulture through knowledge and technology exchange, and build a skilled workforce to drive industrial growth in the state.
During a meeting with a CII delegation, the CM emphasised sustainability, resource efficiency, climate resilience and green technology for the benefit of farmers, while pitching for focused efforts in the Malwa region, particularly Sangrur and Barnala, along with new skill and technology initiatives, including the proposed multi-skill training institute in Ludhiana and Centre of Excellence for Technical Textiles
with an ultra-modern laboratory in Jalandhar.
Chairing a meeting with the delegation here, Mann said, “It is imperative for the Punjab government and CII to join hands on this thrust area to check environmental pollution.
“The focus should be on sustainability, resource efficiency, climate resilience, and green technology, thereby benefiting farmers on one hand and making Punjab clean, green and pollution-free on the other.” Mann called upon the CII to scale up these efforts in the Malwa region, particularly Sangrur and Barnala, where the ‘Parmal’ variety of paddy is cultivated.
“Punjab is committed to adopting sustainable and technology-driven solutions for crop residue management. There is a need for the government, industry and other stakeholders to work together to ensure that farmers get practical, affordable and effective solutions while the state moves firmly towards a cleaner and greener future,” he said.
Mann assured full support and cooperation to CII for facilitating the visit of the World Horticulture Centre to India during CII Agro Tech India 2026.
“Punjab would be immensely benefited from such visits through the exchange of knowledge and expertise in both the agriculture and industrial sectors,” he added.
Mann also advocated further knowledge exchange and technology collaboration to strengthen Punjab’s horticulture sector and benefit farmers of the state.
He also laid emphasis on strengthening industrial and urban infrastructure across key focal points to improve ease of doing business and quality of life.
The CM said modern and well-planned infrastructure is essential for improving ease of doing business, reducing costs and attracting investment to the state.
“The Punjab government is committed to ensuring reliable and quality power supply to industrial areas, particularly during peak demand periods, besides addressing critical infrastructure bottlenecks affecting industrial operations,” he added. PTI CHS TRB
