Chandigarh, February 28 – Haryana Chief Minister, Sh.Nayab Singh Saini made several major announcements at the ‘Krishi Vikas Mela’ in Ladwa. He announced that an Institute of Organic Agriculture and Modern Management System will be set up on 10 acres of land in village Mathana. The institute will offer undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD courses in Agricultural Science.
He also announced that the Kaithal to Yamunanagar road via Dhand, Pipli and Radaur will be made four-lane. This four-lane road will connect NH-152D, NH-44 and the Shamli Expressway. In addition, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone of the new building of the Ladwa Sub-Divisional Secretariat and nine roads of the Public Works Department.
The Chief Minister inaugurated the State-Level ‘Krishi Vikas Mela’ organised by Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University at the Ladwa Grain Market. He toured the mela and visited the stalls set up by the university and farmers while sitting on a tractor.
The Chief Minister described the ‘Krishi Vikas Mela’ as a celebration of Haryana’s agricultural spirit and a festival of the hard work, determination and innovation of farmers. He congratulated and extended best wishes to the university and all the organisers for the grand event. The Chief Minister also conveyed his heartfelt greetings to the people of the state on the occasion of Holi.
Vice-Chancellor, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Dr. B.R. Kamboj, honored the Chief Minister and the Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Sh. Shyam Singh Rana with a memento, shawl and bouquet.
While addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that progressive farmers have accelerated the agricultural sector through innovation and have become a source of inspiration for others. The theme of the mela is “Water Conservation – More Crop per Drop.” In the present time, changing climate conditions, declining groundwater levels and irregular rainfall have created new challenges for agriculture. In such a situation, a fair focused on water conservation is a visionary initiative. “More crop per drop” also means bringing change in our thinking along with technology. He said that we must understand that water is not unlimited. This fair will connect farmers with advanced water management technologies and take the shape of a mass movement.
Scientific research should reach every field and every farmer
The Chief Minister said that scientific research of the university should not remain confined to laboratories but should reach every field and every farmer. Direct dialogue between farmers and scientists can take agriculture to new heights. The fair is a strong platform to connect farmers with modern agricultural equipment, improved seeds, new technologies and scientific advice. More than 150 stalls, display of modern farm machinery, soil and water testing facilities, diagnosis of diseased crops, crop competitions and lucky draws together make this fair a confluence of knowledge, innovation and inspiration.
Government’s vision is to make farmers energy providers, employment generators and builders of the economy
The Chief Minister said that Haryana is an agriculture-based state. Our identity lies in our fields, and our prosperity comes from the hard work of our farmers. Haryana has always played a leading role in making the country self-reliant in food production. He said the clear vision of the double-engine government is that farmers should not only be food providers but also energy providers, employment generators and builders of the economy. Therefore, government policies are focused not only on increasing production but also on raising farmers’ income, reducing costs and minimizing risks.
Rs.157 Crore financial assistance given to farmers for shifting from Paddy to alternative Crops
The Chief Minister said that farmers should grow crops that require less water. To promote such crops, the government launched the “Mera Pani Meri Virasat” scheme in 2020. Under this scheme, farmers growing alternative crops or leaving fields fallow are given financial assistance of Rs.8,000 per acre. Under the scheme, Rs. 157 crore has been given as financial assistance to farmers for sowing alternative crops instead of paddy on 2.20 lakh acres.
To conserve water, rainwater harvesting and micro-irrigation techniques such as drip and sprinkler systems are being promoted. Subsidy of up to 85 percent is provided on micro-irrigation technologies. Up to 85 percent subsidy is also given for constructing ponds.
11 schemes to use treated sewage treatment plant water for irrigation completed
The Chief Minister said the government has prepared 27 schemes to use treated water from sewage treatment plants for irrigation, out of which 11 have been completed. These will provide a sustainable source of water for irrigation, reduce pressure on canals and decrease groundwater extraction.
He said the government has created awareness among farmers to tackle the problem of crop residue and stubble burning and has provided more than one lakh machines for stubble management. The government has also enacted a law to curb fake seeds and pesticides. The Chief Minister urged representatives of seed and pesticide companies present at the event to cooperate in preventing fake products.
21 crops included under Mukhya Mantri Bagwani Bima Yojna
The Chief Minister said progressive farmers in the state have adopted modern technologies such as net houses, polyhouses and hi-tech green net houses for vegetable and fruit cultivation. To promote horticulture, the government has implemented the ‘Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana’ for vegetables and fruits. So far, more than Rs.157 crore has been given as compensation to over 35,000 farmers under this scheme.
He said Haryana is the first state in the country to protect horticulture farmers from weather-related risks by including 21 crops under the Mukhya Mantri Bagwani Bima Yojna(MMBBY).
Government bringing drones, remote sensing, AI-Based systems and digital farming to farmers
The Chief Minister said digital technology has transformed agriculture. The government is working to bring innovations such as drones, remote sensing, AI-based decision systems and digital farming to farmers. Through a transparent procurement system, timely payments and digital platforms, farmers are being empowered. This ‘Krishi Vikas Mela’ is a strong step in that direction. The knowledge, inspiration and energy gained here will be grateful when implemented in the fields.
Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Sh. Shyam Singh Rana said Haryana produces rice for the world. The country imports pulses from other nations, so farmers need to move beyond routine crops and grow other varieties. In paddy cultivation, which requires high water usage, technology and direct seeding methods should be adopted. He said the government is promoting allied activities such as animal husbandry, fisheries and vegetable production to make farmers prosperous.
He added that the government is continuously formulating schemes to increase farmers’ income, keeping in mind the goal of a developed India by 2047. He said earlier generations used to cultivate a variety of crops, and that method needs to be adopted again.
HAU conducts successful research on nearly 50 varieties
Principal Secretary, Agriculture Department, Sh. Pankaj Agarwal welcomed all the guests and elaborated on departmental schemes. Vice-Chancellor, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Prof. Dr. B.R. Kamboj said that HAU organised the fair outside its campus for the first time. The university has conducted successful research on nearly 50 varieties, including millet, sugarcane and paddy. Farmers are being encouraged to adopt direct seeding of paddy.
Chief Minister honors progressive women farmers
The Chief Minister honored progressive women farmers from across the state at the fair, including Kajal from village Agondh (Karnal), Indira Devi from village Mirpur Korali (Mandkola), Rekha from Adampur (Hisar), Munni Bai from village Nathuwas (Bhiwani), Rajni from village Bahadurpur (Yamunanagar), Pushpa Devi from village Basara (Panipat), Neetu Yadav from village Gudha (Mahendragarh), Nirmala from village Ikkas (Jind), Pooja Devi from village Batta (Kaithal), Sarita from village Faizupur Khadar (Faridabad), Sunita Devi from village Baladwala (Panchkula), Sonia from village Purkhas Rathi (Sonipat), Mandeep Kaur from village Dhanora Jattan (Kurukshetra), Manchanl Rani from village Sangel (Nuh), Saroj from village Dhani Dult (Fatehabad), Manisha from Dev Nagar (Jhajjar), Neha Devi from village Kathgarh Chhapra (Ambala), Sheela Devi from Mohamadpur (Rewari), Babita from village Pahrawar (Rohtak) and Kuldeep Kaur from village Mithri (Sirsa).
Former Minister of State, Sh. Subhash Sudha, Deputy Commissioner, Sh. Vishram Kumar Meena, Superintendent of Police, Sh. Nitish Agarwal, Chairman, Livestock Development Board, Sh. Dharmveer Mirzapur and a large number of farmers were present at the event.
