Balbir Singh Sidhu launches a sharp attack on the BJP government over the hike in commercial gas cylinder prices The Congress will strongly oppose every anti-people policy that affects people's kitchens S.A.S.Nagar 2 May ( Ranjeet Singh Dhaliwal ) : Senior Congress leader and former Health Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu has termed the steep increase in commercial gas cylinder prices by the BJP-led central government as a well-planned conspiracy against small traders and common people, who are considered the backbone of the country's economy. Sidhu said that the significant hike in gas cylinder prices in a single day proves that the BJP government neither cares about small businesses nor about the kitchens of ordinary households. People who are already burdened by inflation, unemployment, and taxes are now being further oppressed by rising gas prices. He stated that this decision is a direct economic blow to thousands of families associated with tea vendors, dhaba owners, hotel ope...
Clean Air Punjab and Agri2Power Launch Sanjha Mittar, a WhatsApp-Based Digital Assistant for Farmers
Clean Air Punjab and Agri2Power Launch Sanjha Mittar, a WhatsApp-Based Digital Assistant for Farmers
Initiative follows a study with over 2,000 farmers, highlighting WhatsApp as the most preferred platform by farmers for information.
Chandigarh 21 November ( Ranjeet Singh Dhaliwal ) : Clean Air Punjab and Agri2Power have introduced Sanjha Mittar, a WhatsApp-based digital assistant that is already enhancing how farmers across Punjab access agricultural support. The platform was developed following extensive listening exercises and a detailed study involving more than 2,000 farmers, which revealed WhatsApp as the most trusted and preferred channel for receiving farming-related information. Built on these insights, Sanjha Mittar enables farmers to book machinery, access real-time weather updates, seek technical guidance, receive soil testing instructions and stay informed about training opportunities — all through a single, familiar interface. Importantly, the platform does not operate solely on automation; each query received through the chatbot is reviewed and answered by trained fellows, ensuring that farmers receive accurate, personalised and field-appropriate support. This blend of technology and human expertise is emerging as a key strength of the service. Even in its testing phase, the platform is already showing significant promise. Farmers report quicker support and smoother access to services, with several instances of rapid response. In one case, a farmer who urgently required machinery received it within 2 hours of making a request through the chatbot—demonstrating the potential of coordinated digital support to reduce time-sensitive delays that often affect farm operations.
Speaking about the launch, Sanam, Director of State Climate Action at Asar, said: “Sanjha Mittar is built entirely around what farmers told us during our listening exercises. When technology reflects real farmer preferences, the impact becomes immediate and meaningful. This platform brings timely, science-based support directly to their phones, strengthening both decision-making and climate resilience across Punjab.” Sukhmeet Singh, CEO of Agri2Power, emphasised the platform’s commitment to practical, day-to-day problem solving: “Our goal is simple—to make sure no farmer feels stuck or unsupported. Whether someone needs machinery, technical advice or weather information, Sanjha Mittar responds quickly and reliably. The early feedback shows just how transformative such real-time assistance can be.” As the pilot progresses, Clean Air Punjab and Agri2Power plan to expand the chatbot with the next phase next year. The next phase will include onboarding more farmers, enhancing machinery booking systems, strengthening crop advisories, and adding interactive features based on farmer feedback. The organisations aim to build a digital ecosystem where every farmer can access trusted guidance with a single message. Sanjha Mittar represents a significant step toward a more connected, climate-resilient and farmer-centric Punjab.
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