Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has called for closer collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) to tackle crop residue management, promote sustainable agriculture and strengthen industrial growth in the state.
During a meeting with a CII delegation, Mann stressed the need for practical and affordable solutions to crop residue burning, with a focus on sustainability, resource efficiency, climate resilience and green technology. He also called for stronger cooperation in horticulture, industrial infrastructure, skill development and emerging sectors.
The Chief Minister said government, industry and other stakeholders must work together to ensure that farmers receive effective technology-driven solutions while Punjab moves towards a cleaner and greener future.
Focus on Crop Residue Management in Malwa
Mann urged CII to scale up sustainable crop residue management initiatives in the Malwa region, particularly in Sangrur and Barnala, where the Parmal variety of paddy is cultivated.
The Chief Minister said Punjab is committed to adopting technology-driven approaches to manage crop residue and reduce environmental pollution.
He emphasised that collaboration between the government and industry can help develop solutions that are practical for farmers while also improving resource efficiency and climate resilience.
The wider objective is to reduce pollution linked to crop residue and support farming practices that are more sustainable in the long term.
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Horticulture to Benefit from Global Knowledge Exchange
The meeting also focused on strengthening Punjab’s horticulture sector through knowledge and technology exchange.
Mann assured CII of full government support for facilitating the visit of the World Horticulture Centre to India during CII Agro Tech India 2026. He said such visits could help Punjab gain from international knowledge and expertise in both agriculture and industry.
The Chief Minister also advocated greater technology collaboration in horticulture so that farmers can benefit from improved practices and new solutions.
The proposed cooperation is aimed at connecting agricultural development with technological innovation while creating better opportunities for farmers across the state.
New Skill Training Institute Proposed in Ludhiana
Skill development was another major focus of the meeting. Mann assured CII of full support for its proposed Multi-Skill Training Institute (MSTI) in Ludhiana.
The proposed institute is expected to create a pool of skilled workers for Punjab’s industries and help young people access employment opportunities aligned with changing industrial requirements.
Mann said skill development must remain closely connected with the needs of emerging industries. A stronger industry-linked training ecosystem, he noted, can help businesses find trained manpower while creating new employment opportunities for the state’s youth.
Technical Textiles and Defence Manufacturing
The Chief Minister also asked CII to explore the feasibility of establishing a Centre of Excellence for Technical Textiles in Punjab, along with an ultra-modern laboratory in Jalandhar.
The proposed facility could support technology, research and skills in technical textiles, an emerging industrial segment with applications across several sectors.
Mann further stressed the need for a dedicated Skill Centre for Defence Manufacturing Industries. The centre would focus on developing trained manpower for defence-related manufacturing and could provide another avenue for industrial and economic activity in Punjab.
Better Infrastructure to Support Investment
Industrial and urban infrastructure also featured prominently in the discussions.
Mann said modern and well-planned infrastructure is important for improving ease of doing business, reducing operating costs and attracting new investment. He highlighted the need to strengthen infrastructure across key industrial focal points.
The Chief Minister assured that the state government would work to provide reliable and quality power supply to industrial areas, particularly during periods of peak demand. He also stressed the need to address infrastructure bottlenecks that affect industrial operations.
According to Mann, improving infrastructure and business conditions can help Punjab attract investment while improving the overall quality of life in industrial areas.
CII Partnership to Support Punjab’s Industrial Growth
The meeting also covered industrial development, investment promotion and employment generation. Sharing details of the meeting on X, Mann said discussions focused on attracting new investments and creating maximum employment opportunities for Punjab’s youth.
The Chief Minister reiterated the government’s objective of making Punjab a leading industrial hub and creating a conducive environment for businesses.
The discussions brought agriculture, environmental sustainability, horticulture, infrastructure and industrial development under a broader government-industry partnership.
For Punjab, the proposed collaboration with CII could have an impact across multiple areas — from helping farmers adopt cleaner crop residue practices to creating industry-ready skills and supporting new technology-driven sectors.
The focus on sustainable agriculture alongside industrial and skill development also reflects an effort to link environmental goals with employment, investment and economic growth.
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