Haryana’s Farmers Play a Vital Role in Filling the Nation’s Granaries Through Their Hard Work- Chief Minister
Raising farmers’ incomes, reducing cultivation costs and promoting crop diversification are government priorities, says Nayab Singh Saini
Chief Minister Participates in Krishi Sammelan at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi
Chandigarh, November 12
Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said Haryana’s culture and agriculture are deeply intertwined, and the state’s farmers contribute significantly to filling the nation’s granaries through their hard work and toil. Their efforts have earned Haryana a distinct identity in agriculture.
He said the Haryana Government is working extensively to address farmers’ concerns, ensure remunerative prices for their produce, expand irrigation facilities and promote water conservation, natural farming, soil health and crop diversification. The government endeavours to help farmers move beyond traditional cultivation and increase their incomes by adopting modern technology, new crops and agriculture-based industries.
The Chief Minister was addressing Krishi Sammelan at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. He said the dedication and hard work of Haryana’s farmers had not only made the state a leader in agriculture but also contributed substantially to the country’s foodgrain reserves.
He said Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi’s vision has consistently focused on strengthening farmers’ financial position. Under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, small and marginal farmers receive annual financial assistance of Rs 6,000. This helps them meet essential expenses such as seeds, fertilisers and crop protection chemicals, reducing their dependence on others for routine needs.
The Chief Minister said the Prime Minister’s vision is to reduce the burden of cultivation costs on farmers and ensure fair prices for their produce. In pursuit of this objective, the Central and Haryana governments are jointly implementing several schemes for farmers’ welfare.
Sustained Efforts to Strengthen Irrigation
Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said Haryana is making sustained efforts to strengthen irrigation in response to Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi’s call. Work is underway on approximately 2,000 ponds under the Amrit Sarovar scheme. New ponds are being constructed, and existing ones rejuvenated to conserve rainwater and improve groundwater levels.
He said the government is also giving special attention to the repair, rehabilitation and strengthening of canals and drains to prevent water wastage and maximise the use of available water for agriculture.
The Chief Minister said a plan is being developed to create clusters of 100, 200 and 500 acres to provide better irrigation facilities. Large water storage reservoirs will be constructed in these clusters, with capacity to meet irrigation requirements for approximately one month. Solar-powered pumps will supply water from these reservoirs to fields through sprinkler irrigation systems, helping irrigate a larger area with less water and improve yields.
*Renukaji, Kishau and Lakhwar Dams to Provide Additional Water to Haryana*
Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said an agreement on the Renukaji, Kishau and Lakhwar dam projects had been reached among five states under the leadership of Union Home Minister Sh. Amit Shah. Water from these projects will be available to Haryana as well as Delhi, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
He said the projects would help strengthen water availability in the future. The government is working towards better management of natural water resources to ensure that future generations do not face water shortages.
Guaranteed Procurement at MSP in Haryana
The Chief Minister said Haryana is the first state in the country to guarantee procurement of all crops at the minimum support prices (MSP) fixed by the Prime Minister. The state government remains committed to procuring farmers’ produce at MSP, with the aim of encouraging crop diversification and reducing dependence on water-intensive crops such as paddy.
He said special efforts are being made to promote natural farming. An agreement has been reached with farmers in Morni block to arrange procurement directly from the farm of produce grown through natural methods without chemical fertilisers or pesticides.
The Chief Minister said farmers’ interest in natural farming is steadily increasing. More than 40 lakh farmers have registered approximately 1.5 lakh hectares on the portal for natural farming. At present, natural farming is being practised on around 45,000 hectares.
He said arrangements are also being made to lease cultivable panchayat land and land belonging to the Agriculture Department to farmers for 10 years for natural farming. In addition, the Haryana State Cooperative Supply and Marketing Federation (HAFED) has been entrusted with procuring naturally grown foodgrains in mandis. The produce will undergo laboratory testing before procurement.
The Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana has also been implemented to help horticulture farmers secure fair market prices and provide financial protection against losses.
Soil Testing to Improve Soil Quality
Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said maintaining soil fertility and reducing excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides are among the government’s priorities. Soil from farmers’ fields is being tested through soil testing laboratories at the district and block levels.
He said soil testing covering the land of approximately 40 lakh to 45 lakh farmers helps determine the quantities of fertilisers and pesticides required in their fields. A special 2,000-acre cluster has also been announced in Kurukshetra to promote natural farming.