Chandigarh, December 4
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said that keeping in view the changing times and shrinking agricultural land, the Agriculture Department should encourage farmers to adopt modern technologies such as vertical farming. He said the department must accelerate its efforts toward future readiness by understanding emerging technological needs, changes and challenges.
The Chief Minster, who was chairing a review meeting of the Department of Future here today, said that the various schemes being implemented by the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments should be assessed to identify the challenges likely to emerge over the next decade. He stressed that the departments must work with a clear vision and well-planned strategies throughout the year, keeping future requirements in focus.
The Chief Minister said that efforts must be made to introduce technology that prevents farmers from burning crop residue. He emphasized that the Agriculture Department and the Department of Future should jointly develop solutions that discourage stubble burning and make the removal of crop residue from fields easier. Similarly, to ensure adherence to prescribed moisture standards in produce, he suggested that consultations be held with relevant industries so that machine/combine-harvested crops adhere to the required moisture levels.
The Chief Minister said that with rapidly improving connectivity across the state, the India International Horticulture Market being developed in Gannaur is likely to witness considerable pressure in the coming years. To address this effectively, he said the department should prepare a long-term plan spanning 10 to 20 years. He added that Haryana’s future readiness should focus on guiding farmers toward crops that will be in global demand and where Haryana has a competitive advantage.
He said that all departments work towards strengthening the use of AI and digital governance as part of their long-term planning.
Earlier in the meeting, Mrs. Amneet P. Kumar, Commissioner and Secretary of the Department of Future presented detailed information on the department’s initial work and progress.
Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Rajesh Khullar, Principal Secretary of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department, Pankaj Agarwal, Commissioner and Secretary of Finance Department, Mohammed Shayin, OSD to the Chief Minister, Raj Nehru, Director Department of Future, Dr. Aditya Dahiya and other senior officials were also present in the meeting.
