IEP Chandigarh, July 5
The Haryana State Level Steering Committee of the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana convened under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Mr. Sanjeev Kaushal here today approved the annual plan worth Rs. 1371.91 crore for the year 2023-24. This substantial funding aims to propel the field of agriculture and horticulture in the state to new heights. The allocated funds will be utilized by institutions such as Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University – (CCSHAU), Hisar,, Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board, Central Soil Salinity Research Institute (CSSRI), Karnal, and Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, (IIWBR), Karnal. The plans will now be forwarded to the Union Ministry of Agriculture, for final approval. To support environmentally friendly practices, Mr. Kaushal said that CCSHAU will establish Biopesticide Laboratory and Natural Farming Pesticide Production Unit at Uchani. Additionally, an Advanced Soil Testing Laboratory and a Vermi Compost Demonstration Unit will also be set up in the state. The Indian Wheat and Barley Research Institute, Karnal is establishing a Wheat-based Agripreneurship Center to boost the income of small and medium farmers. Mr. Kaushal said that the Agriculture Department is committed to promote organic farming. In addition, efforts are being made to improve soil fertility and implement water conservation measures. Furthermore, a sustainable production system will be developed for farmers to cultivate dates on saline land, thereby harnessing previously untapped agricultural potential. He said that as part of the pilot project by CSSRI Karnal, improved infrastructure will be established to facilitate groundwater recharge in the villages. Mr. Kaushal said that short video films showcasing successful stories of organic and horticulture farms will be produced and shared with farmers. This initiative aims to inspire other farmers to adopt the latest agricultural practices, contributing to a wider adoption of sustainable farming methods. He emphasized the government’s commitment to doubling farmers’ income and stressed the vital role of agricultural scientists in achieving this goal. He highlighted that their collaboration and efforts in developing innovative and cost-effective varieties will significantly benefit farmers across the region. Furthermore, the Horticulture Department will impart training at seven different locations, encouraging farmers to explore the realm of horticulture. These training centers will be set up in strategic locations, including Bhuna, Gharaunda, Ladwa, Shamgarh, Sundrah, Hodal, and Pinangwa. Special attention will be given to promoting the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, encouraging efficient water usage through the “Har Bund Ka Upiyog Aur Adhik Fasal” and providing modern agricultural equipment to farmers, he added. Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Mr. Sudhir Rajpal, Deputy Director, Mr. Pankaj from Union Ministry of Agriculture and other senior officers of Agriculture and Horticulture attended the meeting.
