Punjab, which is rightly termed the 'Food Bowl of India', continues to grow a variety of crops, fruits and vegetables, making the nation self-sufficient.
The state government has taken several initiatives to facilitate the farmers by introducing new facilities at the markets.
"New things with new technology have been brought. Earlier we had machines but they were very less in number. New technology has been brought for the ripening of fruits. The space for the storage of ripened fruits has been expanded. An unbelievable growth has transpired in the state in recent years. And many things are in pipeline like many roads are being constructed and many are under repair for the season so that the farmers don't face any obstacle in bringing their produce here," Ajmer Singh Lakhowal, Chairman of Mandi Board said.
In 2007, the Punjab Mandi Board expanded the Ludhiana Mandi so that farmers coming from any part of the state can sell their produce without any hassles.
A new cold storage facility was established to store fresh fruits and vegetables. Besides, roads across the state are being built to help farmers reach mandis without any problems.
"It is produced on 10 acres. It is easily getting sold in the Mandi. The produce often gets sold in a single day and we get the payment same day. This government's initiatives for revamp of the agriculture sector has proved to be a boon for the farmers and helped in improving the state's economy," said Gurmeet, a farmer.
Apart from the traditionally grown crops, progressive farmers in Punjab are now taking up floriculture and horticulture. Some of the farmers have even taken up banana cultivation.
The government's initiatives for revamp of the agriculture sector has proved to be a boon for the farmers and helped in improving the state's economy.