Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated the newly constructed administrative building at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research–Indian Institute of Maize Research (ICAR-IIMR) in Ludhiana, Punjab, highlighting the government’s continued support for farmers and agricultural diversification. During the visit, Chouhan engaged with maize stakeholders, farmers, rural development beneficiaries, and women Self-Help Groups, underscoring maize’s role as a sustainable alternative to water-intensive crops like paddy while providing higher returns and industrial applications.

As part of ongoing relief efforts for Punjab farmers, the central government has released Rs 74 crore for free wheat seed distribution and approved additional funds for mustard and other crop seeds to mitigate losses from recent floods. Under the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, Rs 222 crore has been credited in advance to the accounts of over 11 lakh farmers, while Rs 1,600 crore has been sanctioned to rebuild 36,703 flood-damaged houses, providing Rs 1.60 lakh per family for construction, labor, and sanitation facilities.

The event emphasized the government’s focus on increasing foodgrain production, reducing input costs, and enhancing farmer incomes, while promoting crop diversification to strengthen resilience and sustainability. Minister Chouhan also encouraged the adoption of Indian-made products to support local artisans and retain wealth within the country.

Attendees included Minister of State for Agriculture Bhagirath Choudhary, Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Industries Ravneet Singh Bittu, and Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian, reflecting a coordinated effort to advance agricultural development and provide timely relief to affected communities.

ICAR-IIMR’s expanded facilities are expected to enhance maize research, productivity, and farmer outreach, positioning the institute as a key driver of sustainable agricultural innovation in Punjab and across India.