Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, undertook a one-day visit to Ludhiana, Punjab, where he interacted with farmers, women Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and rural beneficiaries.

During the visit, he inaugurated the newly constructed Administrative Building at the ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research (IIMR) and handed over approval letters for the reconstruction of houses for flood-affected residents under central assistance.

Shri Chouhan also held a ‘Chaupal’ discussion with farmers at Noorpur Bet village, featuring live demonstrations of agricultural machinery such as combine harvesters with Super Straw Management Systems (SSMS) and Happy Smart Seeder machines designed for efficient paddy harvesting and wheat sowing.

Later, the Minister visited the ‘Samanyu Honey’ beekeeping centre in Doraha, where he reviewed innovative beekeeping models and discussed emerging opportunities in allied agricultural sectors.

His visit highlighted the Centre’s commitment to modernising agricultural practices, strengthening women’s participation in rural livelihoods, and promoting self-reliance in the farm economy.