Canada, Czech Republic open doors to Indian farmers

CHANDIGARH - Nearly 130 farmers, including sarpanch (village headmen) and members of panchayat (village councils) from Punjab and Haryana, were Monday informed of various opportunities in the agriculture sector in Canada and Czech Republic.

During the interactive session, farmers were also told about the fast-track procedure of legally migrating to these countries along with their families.

“Experienced farmers of Punjab can avail benefits of easily relocating and increasing their land holding in these countries. Later, they can also call their families and relatives and can permanently settle there,” said B.S. Sandhu, chief managing director of World Wide Immigration Consultancy Services (WWICS) that organised this meeting.

“Under this fast track permanent residency programme, federal investor or Quebec investor program, a farmer having assets of net worth Canadian $800,000 is eligible to migrate. All the formalities, including interview and visa processing will be completed within just 12-15 months.”

Under this programme, the aspirant has to invest Canadian $400,000 in Canada and he should have at least two years of experience of farm management. Besides, there is no bar on educational qualification and no IELTS requirement.

Talking about the opportunities available in the Czech Republic, Sandhu said, “Immigration to Czech Republic under business investor class is a lucrative opportunity for Indian farmers who are willing to invest there. It is an easy procedure and guarantees legal and permanent resident status in the European Union.”

Farmers, who attended this seminar, were also very enthusiastic about these opportunities.

“We have already done miracles on Indian soil and we feel that this is the time to showcase these developed countries our acumen in farming. I have understood everything and very soon I will apply for the Czech Republic,” said Baldev Singh, a resident of Batohi village in Punjab’s Patiala district, some 70 km from here.

Prem Singh, sarpanch of Jhurheri village, around 10 km from here, said: “Sizes of our families have increased manifold while the size of our land is shrinking. Therefore, we have to move out in pursuit of better future for our kids.”

“But one thing is good as we do not require to search for a job there. We can continue our family vocation of agriculture, in which we have vast experience,” he added.