From Green Revolution to Sustainable Agriculture: President Murmu’s Vision for Punjab

Mohali, March 12, 2025 — President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday urged farmers and agricultural scientists in Punjab to lead the country into an era of environmentally sustainable farming. Speaking at a civic reception hosted by the Punjab government in Mohali, the President praised Punjab for its significant role in India’s agricultural development, particularly during the Green Revolution of the 1960s.

“Punjab has made a pioneering contribution to Indian agriculture. In the 1960s, when the country faced food shortages, it was the progressive farmers of Punjab who made the Green Revolution possible and ensured food security,” President Murmu said. She expressed confidence that the state’s farmers and agricultural scientists would once again play a crucial role by adopting environment-friendly farming practices.

Her comments come at a critical time for Punjab’s agriculture, which is grappling with challenges such as a rapidly declining underground water table and the overuse of pesticides, leading to fears of desertification.

During her speech, President Murmu connected with the audience by chanting traditional slogans “Bole So Nihal… and Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa…” and expressing deep respect for the land of Punjab, referring to it as the land of martyrs and saints. She also highlighted the rich cultural heritage of the state, including the global popularity of Punjabi music and dance. “Punjabi folk dance, Bhangra, is so lively that it can help a patient recover. Watching it can lift their spirits and even cure half of their illness,” she said, to the applause of the crowd.

The President also spoke about the tradition of langar (community kitchen) started by Guru Nanak Dev and emphasized the inclusive nature of the service in Gurdwaras. She paid tribute to Mata Khivi Ji for her role in organizing and systematizing the langar service, recalling how Guru Arjun Dev himself attended her cremation.

President Murmu also referenced the bravery and sacrifices of Punjab’s historical figures, including Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Hari Singh Nalwa, and freedom fighters like Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev. “Punjab has been the land where important chapters of India’s freedom struggle were written,” she said, saluting the state’s contribution to the nation’s independence. She also mentioned the renaming of Chandigarh Airport as Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport in 2022, honoring the legacy of the freedom fighter.

In his address, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann welcomed President Murmu and urged women across the country to find inspiration in her life story. “President Murmu’s journey is a testament to hard work, vision, and perseverance. Her achievements place her alongside global leaders like former US President Abraham Lincoln,” he said.

The event also saw the presence of Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya, Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court Sheel Nagu, and Punjab Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan, who all joined in welcoming the President to the state.