Paris, October 18: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday launched two new products of state-run MARKFED's SOHNA brand — 'Chickpeas in Brine' (chitte chhole) and 'Red Kidney Beans in Brine' (rajmah) — at SIAL Paris 2026, one of the world's leading international food and beverage exhibitions. Mann also inaugurated MARKFED's exhibition stall at the India Pavilion.

At SIAL, MARKFED, Milkfed — which markets its products under the Verka brand — and Punjab Agro are showcasing their products together under the 'Punjab Mart' umbrella. Mann said Punjab has always been the food basket of India and that his vision is to make it a globally recognised hub for quality food products and value-added agriculture, so that farmers' incomes rise. According to MARKFED, as reported, the federation exports to more than 20 countries, has a turnover exceeding Rs 21,248 crore and represents approximately two million farmers — these are MARKFED's own figures.

The visit went ahead after the Punjab and Haryana High Court set aside the Ministry of External Affairs' refusal of political clearance for the delegation. In its detailed order released on Saturday, the Court held that the refusal, which cited only a "political angle", gave no reasons.

Allegations (made by the BJP): BJP leaders Ravneet Singh Bittu and Tarun Chugh have questioned the purpose and expenditure of the trip; Chugh alleged it was a "family vacation" disguised as an official mission to support MARKFED. These are opposition allegations. For its part, as recorded in the High Court proceedings reported by Live Law, the visit's cost was to be borne by MARKFED.

Sources: IANS, Punjab Newsline, Live Law.