Need to evolve consensus on viable national agri policy:Badal

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today said the main objective of first ever 'Progressive Punjab Agriculture Summit' would be to evolve a consensus for having a viable national policy in the interest of farmers.
Punjab government is set to host agriculture summit here at the legendary Baba Banda Singh Bahadur War Memorial, Chappar Chirri from February 16 to 19.
"The ultimate goal of the summit is to arrive at a consensus for evolving a viable National Agriculture Policy in the interests of farmers," he said here today.
The state government has invited all the Chief Ministers, Agriculture Ministers and political leaders of national repute to this event, he said.

He said nearly 50,000 farmers from Punjab and 5,000 from other states would participate in the summit.
Badal disclosed that farmers from West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Assam and J&K, among others have already confirmed their participation.

Corporates like Aditya Birla Group, Tata Chemicals, Mahindra & Mahindra Agri Business, Godrej Agrovet, Dabur India Ltd., ITC, Nestle, Coca Cola, PepsiCo India and DSCL would also participate, he added.
The Chief Minister said: "Punjab has played a pivotal role in the nation's freedom struggle and the same manner our state being on the forefront of the agriculture deserved to host this summit to safeguard the rights of peasantry."

Experts and economists from 10 nations including Canada, Pakistan, Netherlands, Australia, and the US would attend.
Internationally acclaimed agriculture scientist and plant breeder GS Khush has already confirmed his participation.
Representatives of 13 national institutions including Indian Council of Agriculture Research New Delhi, Director of Animal Husbandry, Dairy & Fishery New Delhi, National Horticulture Board, National Seeds Corporation, New Delhi, Coconut Development Board Kerala, would participate.
In a bid to encourage the renowned farmers from Punjab and other states, the Chief Minister said they have decided to honour three farmers from each district of Punjab and three farmers from each state of the country with a cash award of Rs 51,000. Mementos in recognition for outstanding contribution in the field of agriculture and allied farming would be given.

Likewise, 50 experts and scientists in the field of agriculture and animal husbandry would also be honoured for their exemplary services in the field of agriculture R&D.
A coffee table book highlighting Punjab's contribution in making our country self-reliant in food production and ushering in green & white revolution is being brought out.
An exhibition displaying latest farm machinery, agriculture equipments and implements would be organised over an area of 35 acres and nearly 400 stalls put up. Besides, 11 technical sessions on various aspects of agriculture and allied farming including dairy, fishery, bee-keeping, piggery, goatery etc. Would be organised.