New Delhi, Nov 28 (IANS): Punjab Cooperation Minister Sukhjinder Randhawa here on Wednesday met Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar and discussed strengthening of sugarcane cultivation in the state for welfare of farmers.

He also urged special funds by the National Cooperative Development Corp (NCDC) for strengthening as well as renovation of sugar mills in Punjab. Pointing to tremendous potential of sugarcane cultivation in the Doaba region, he said mills at Gurdaspur, Batala and Jalandhar be upgraded.

The Punjab Minister also stressed special NCDC funds for sugarcane cultivation research and development.

Randhawa sought computerisation of all primary agricultural cooperative societies. Tomar assured him on this in the next financial year.

On paddy straw management, the Punjab minister urged framing of an easy and hassle-free policy. A comprehensive project, linked to the cooperative sector, be set up for managing the paddy straw burning in the state.