Punjab govt to hold first round of talks with farmers on February 12

In the first ‘Sarkar-Kisan Milini’ to be held on Punjab Agricultural University campus, CM Bhagwant Mann will spend time with the farmers listening to their issues.

Written by Kanchan Vasdev

Chandigarh | Updated: January 18, 2023 02:14 AM IST

3 min read

Punjab has witnessed an upsurge in protests by farmers especially after the farmers’ agitation against Centre’s laws in 2020. (Express Photo/Representational)

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Following a series of protests by the farmers’ unions for the past few months, the Punjab government has finally decided to initiate a dialogue with the peasants through ‘Sarkar-Kisan Milini’ to build confidence among them.

The first dialogue between the farmers and the government will be held on Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) campus on February 12 where Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will spend time with the farmers listening to their woes. The government already held a meeting to discuss the issue on January 6. The second meeting to finalise the details would be held on January 20.

“Farmers are giving us a tough time. They engage in protests and create problems. The government has decided to bring them together on a platform and interact with the CM. Other Cabinet ministers will also be called for the meeting. It would be like an interface of the government with the farmers,” said an official.

“Earlier, they had sat outside the CM’s residence in Sangrur. Now, they lay siege to toll plazas. They have also been protesting against a private brewery in Zira since July last year. This worries the government. A feeling is created that the farmers are not in control. It also sends a wrong message as the Opposition parties keep harping on the issue. Hence, it is felt that the dialogue would help. Dialogue can always sort out many issues. It at least softens warring groups,” said the official.

Also Read | Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann orders shutting down of Zira liquor factory

Various agriculture experts will be roped in during the Sarkar-Kisan Milini and many sessions would be held.

“We will get 150 farmers from every district. There will be arrangements to house 6,000 farmers. Experts from PAU, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary And Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), and officials from Power Department, farm and farm-related products will give brainstorming sessions on the issue. It will be a meeting that would certainly send a message,” he added.

The government also plans to bring to the fore the latest know-how on agriculture at the meeting; for instance, the short-duration variety of paddy would be showcased. “The farmers would be encouraged to take up environment-friendly measures also. It is about the impact of soft power,” said the official.

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Punjab has witnessed an upsurge in protests by farmers especially after the farmers’ agitation against Centre’s laws in 2020. It has been worrying the entrepreneurs as well as the government.

A few days ago, CM Mann had slammed the farmers for frequently blocking roads as part of their protests.

Kanchan Vasdev

Kanchan Vasdev is a Senior Assistant Editor in The Indian Express’ Punjab bureau. She is a highly experienced journalist with 22 years of expertise covering high-stakes politics, governance, and social issues in Northern India. Professional Background Role: Primary reporter covering the Punjab Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), government policies, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership in the state. Experience: She previously worked with The Tribune and has played a key role in launching various city editions. Special Projects: Abandoned Brides: Authored a monograph on brides abandoned by NRIs as part of the Prabha Dutt Memorial Fellowship. Environment: Worked as a Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) fellow, focusing on the pollution levels in the Satluj river. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent reporting focuses on the legislative strategies and political maneuvers of the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government: 1. Legislative & Governance Standoffs "Punjab govt advances special Assembly session to pass resolution against VB-G RAM G Bill" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the state's move to block the Centre's "Viksit Bharat" mission, which the state claims will undermine MGNREGA. "Punjab govt doubles down on special sessions, sixth in January" (Dec 19, 2025): Detailing the AAP government's use of special sessions as a legislative tool amid tensions with the Governor. "Punjab asks 'VIP teachers' working near Chandigarh to go back to border districts" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on CM Mann's move to end the practice of influential teachers avoiding postings in remote areas. 2. Political Analysis & Rural Polls "Punjab rural polls: Why Akalis are likened to dinosaurs in Punjab" (Dec 19, 2025): Analyzing CM Bhagwant Mann's rhetoric against the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) following local body elections. "AAP claims win in 78% Punjab zila parishads as counting continues" (Dec 18, 2025): Breaking down the results of the 2025 rural elections. "Rahul Gandhi and Sidhu alike, says Bhagwant Mann" (Dec 13, 2025): Covering the CM's critique of the Congress leadership. 3. Law Enforcement & Bureaucracy "Suspended Punjab IPS officer Ravjot Kaur Grewal awaits reinstatement" (Dec 10, 2025): Investigative reporting on the bureaucratic red tape involving the Election Commission and the state government. "Punjab declines to give parole to Amritpal Singh" (Nov 27, 2025): Detailing the state government's refusal to grant parole to the radical preacher and sitting MP. 4. Welfare & Economy "Punjab government's plan to add more freebies to 'atta-dal' scheme hits funds roadblock" (Dec 4, 2024): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing the state's flagship food security program. "Mann leads Punjab delegation to Japan and South Korea for investor outreach" (Dec 2, 2025). Signature Beat Kanchan Vasdev is known for her insider access to Punjab's political executive. Her writing provides deep insights into how state policies are formulated and the friction points between the state government and central authorities. Her dual expertise in environment and law allows her to report on complex issues like the "Farmhouse Policy" (Dec 18, 2025) and river pollution with a unique policy-oriented lens. X (Twitter): @kanchan99 ... Read More

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