Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday called upon agricultural scientists and experts from around the world to take the lead in guiding farmers toward crop diversification — a crucial step to safeguarding the future of agriculture in the state.   Mann, speaking at the International Conference on Transforming AgriFood Systems in the Face of Climate Change and Energy Transitions at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), underscored the urgency of adopting sustainable practices to tackle the growing challenges posed by climate change, particularly in Punjab, which remains highly dependent on rice and wheat production.   With Punjabs agriculture facing increasing vulnerability due to adverse impacts of climate change, Mann highlighted the need for farmers to move beyond traditional crops and diversify into more resilient and sustainable farming practices. Mann stressed that crop diversification could be a game-changer for the states agricultural future, promoting higher yields, healthier soil, and better adaptability to climatic fluctuations.   Punjabs farmers have long been the backbone of Indias food security, but now it is time for us to evolve, Mann remarked, noting that crop diversification was not just a matter of economic necessity but also an environmental imperative to protect the states water resources and agricultural land. The Chief Minister emphasized that it was the responsibility of agri-scientists to develop innovative, resource-efficient solutions that could guide farmers toward adopting these new practices.   In his address, Mann sounded the alarm over the unsustainable water usage for rice cultivation, revealing that growing just one kilogram of rice requires 3,000 liters of water. He pointed out that the states extensive reliance on groundwater, pumped using energy-intensive motors, had contributed to the depletion of water resources. This situation is unsustainable and threatens the very foundation of Punjab, a state that is named after five rivers, he said.   To combat this, the Chief Minister advocated for the introduction of alternative water-saving crops, urging scientists to work with farmers to make the transition easier and more viable. We must adopt proactive measures to address the growing water crisis and ensure that Punjabs agriculture remains sustainable for future generations, he said, adding that failing to act would have dire consequences for both the environment and the agricultural economy.   He emphasized that agriculture is not just an economic activity for the state, but a way of life for millions of its people, and therefore, protecting it must be a top priority.   Ahead of winter session, Hry Speaker inspects Vidhan Sabha campus, reviews security arrangements   Chandigarh: A day before the winter session of Vidhan Sabha beginning from Wednesday, Haryana Speaker Harvinder Kalyan on Tuesday inspected the Assembly campus along with CID chief ADGP Alok Mittal and ADG Saurabh Singh and reviewed the security arrangements with them for the Assembly session. On the occasion, he gave necessary instructions to strengthen the security during the session. Later, the Speaker held a meeting with the Legislative Assembly staff, in which instructions were issued to make all the arrangements to make the session successful. Kalyan said that all preparations for the session have been completed. It should be mentioned here that in the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting it was decided that the winter session will be held on November 13, 14 and 18.

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