In a unique initiative by the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government, farmers are now generating additional income through sand deposits that have accumulated on their fields. The scheme, titled “Jis Da Khet – Us Di Rait” (Whose field, his sand), ensures that farmers benefit directly from the natural sand collected in their agricultural lands.
Bhagwant Mann Government’s Initiative Helps Farmers Earn Income from Sand Deposits on Farmlands
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab shared that under this plan, instead of private contractors or intermediaries profiting from sand extraction, the rights and earnings go to the farmers themselves. The initiative aims to make the process transparent while providing economic relief to cultivators affected by sand deposits after floods or river overflows.
The Mann government’s approach has been widely appreciated for its focus on empowering rural communities and curbing illegal sand mining. By legalizing and systemizing the collection process, it not only boosts farmer incomes but also contributes to better resource management and environmental protection.
This initiative reflects the Punjab government’s ongoing commitment to improving farmers’ livelihoods and promoting sustainable practices across the state.
Boost to Rural Economy
Officials stated that this model not only compensates farmers for the inconvenience caused by sand accumulation but also injects fresh income into rural households. It is expected to contribute significantly to the local economy, providing financial stability to small and marginal farmers who often suffer crop loss due to flood-related sand deposits.
Environmental and Governance Impact
The initiative is also being viewed as an important environmental measure. By regularizing the removal of sand from affected farmlands, the government aims to maintain soil fertility, reduce land degradation, and curb illegal sand mining operations that have long plagued Punjab’s river belts.
