Haryana on Tuesday launched the Haryana FPO Mission-2026, a comprehensive initiative aimed at strengthening Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), improving market access for farmers, and boosting rural incomes through collective agricultural entrepreneurship. The mission was jointly unveiled by Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini during the concluding ceremony of the month-long Khet Bachao Abhiyan at the College of Agriculture, Bawal, in Rewari district.
Key dignitaries present at the launch
Haryana Agriculture Minister Shyam Singh Rana, ICAR Director General Dr Mangi Lal Jat, and Vice-Chancellor of Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University Prof Baldev Raj Kamboj were among those present at the event. The gathering underscored the state's commitment to transforming the agricultural landscape through collective farming models.
Strengthening existing FPOs
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini highlighted that nearly 775 Farmer Producer Organisations are currently active in Haryana across the agriculture, horticulture, and dairy sectors. Under the new mission, these organisations will be strengthened through improved supply chains, value addition, processing facilities, and better marketing support. The goal is to enable farmers to secure higher returns for their produce by reducing intermediaries and enhancing direct market access.
Benefits for small and marginal farmers
The Chief Minister emphasised that the initiative would particularly benefit small and marginal farmers by encouraging collective farming and improving their bargaining power in the market. He stated that the mission is expected to generate employment opportunities in rural areas while strengthening the state's agricultural value chain. This move aligns with the government's broader objective of doubling farmers' incomes and promoting sustainable rural development.
Union Minister's remarks on sustainable farming
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stressed that India cannot achieve the goal of becoming a developed nation without prosperous farmers and a vibrant agriculture sector. He urged cultivators to adopt balanced and scientific use of fertilisers, warning that excessive application of chemicals such as urea and DAP was harming soil health and the environment. Chouhan called for a shift towards natural farming practices to ensure long-term agricultural sustainability.
Haryana as a national model
Praising Haryana's agricultural policies, Chouhan noted that the state has emerged as a national model through farmer-centric initiatives such as MSP procurement on 24 crops, Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana, Meri Fasal-Mera Byora, and Mera Pani-Meri Virasat. He pointed out that despite accounting for only 1.3 per cent of India's geographical area, Haryana continues to play a vital role in the country's food security. The state's proactive approach to agricultural reforms has set a benchmark for other states to follow.
Agricultural exhibition and felicitation of farmers
The two leaders also inaugurated an agricultural exhibition showcasing modern farming technologies, including precision farming tools, drip irrigation systems, and advanced harvesting equipment. The exhibition aimed to educate farmers about innovative practices that can enhance productivity and reduce input costs. Additionally, six progressive farmers from Rewari, Mahendragarh, and Jhajjar districts were honoured for their contributions to natural farming, horticulture, beekeeping, and millet production. These farmers serve as role models for the wider farming community, demonstrating the benefits of diversification and sustainable practices.
Impact on rural economy
The Haryana FPO Mission-2026 is expected to have a transformative impact on the rural economy by fostering collective entrepreneurship among farmers. By strengthening FPOs, the mission aims to reduce post-harvest losses, improve access to credit and inputs, and facilitate better price realisation. The initiative is also likely to create new livelihood opportunities in rural areas, particularly for women and youth, thereby contributing to inclusive growth. With a focus on value addition and processing, the mission will help farmers move beyond primary production and capture a larger share of the value chain.
Conclusion
The launch of the Haryana FPO Mission-2026 marks a significant step towards empowering farmers and strengthening the rural economy. Through collaborative efforts between the state and central governments, the mission aims to create a robust ecosystem for Farmer Producer Organisations, ensuring that farmers receive fair prices for their produce and have access to modern infrastructure and markets. As Haryana continues to lead by example, the success of this mission could serve as a blueprint for other states to replicate.
