The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (GOI), Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Punjab Agro Industries Corporation, and Hindustan Unilever (HUL) are set to hold joint deliberations to enhance tomato production and paste manufacturing in Punjab. During his visit to the Hindustan Unilever plant in Rajpura, S. Ravneet Singh Bittu, Union Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Industries, emphasized the need for collaboration among these stakeholders to enable Punjab farmers to grow tomatoes of international standards and subsequently produce tomato paste.

During the plant visit, the Union Minister urged HUL management to increase local procurement, ensuring Punjab farmers benefit from the facility. He assured that the Government of India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, would provide all necessary support to Punjab farmers. Singh further questioned, “If Maharashtra can produce tomato paste in such large volumes, why can’t Punjab?”

Highlighting the importance of this initiative, Minister Singh stressed that the government and private sector must work together to empower farmers in Punjab. He reiterated the state’s potential to become a leader in tomato production and processing, given the right guidance and support.

The visit was attended by prominent officials, including Dr. Preeti Yadav (Deputy Commissioner, Patiala), Dr. Nanak Singh (SSP Patiala), Dr. J.P. Dongare (Deputy Agricultural Marketing, MOFPI), Deb Nath Guha (Site Director, HUL), Rakesh Jha (Technology Head, HUL), and Charanjeet Singh (Plant Manager, HUL).