Haryana Chief Minister Advocates for Organic Certification Laboratories and Smart Agriculture Initiatives
In a significant move to bolster agricultural sustainability and farmer prosperity, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini emphasized the urgent need for establishing laboratories dedicated to certifying organic farm produce. Speaking during the fourth meeting of the Haryana Kisan Kalyan Pradhikaran (HKKP) in Chandigarh on Wednesday, Saini highlighted that such certification would enable farmers to command better market prices for their crops, thereby enhancing their economic well-being.
High-Level Meeting and Key Announcements
The meeting, chaired by CM Saini, saw the presence of several key ministers, including Environment and Forest Minister Rao Narbir Singh, Cooperation Minister Arvind Sharma, Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Shyam Singh Rana, Irrigation and Water Resources Minister Shruti Choudhry, Minister of State for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Rajesh Nagar, and OSD to the Chief Minister Virender Badhkhalsa. Following the discussions, Saini released a booklet titled 'Working Group Report on Fisheries Development in Haryana' from the fisheries department, underscoring the state's commitment to diversifying agricultural sectors.
Pilot Project: Smart Agriculture Zone
To kickstart the transition towards sustainable farming, the Chief Minister directed officials to develop a 'Smart Agriculture Zone' covering approximately 5,000 acres as a pilot project. This initiative aims to sensitize farmers about natural farming practices while assuring them of financial security. Saini noted that while organic produce typically fetches premium prices, the state government will compensate farmers for any potential income losses, thereby mitigating risks associated with the shift from conventional methods.
Focus on Certification and Water Management
Emphasizing the importance of market credibility, Saini called for the earliest establishment of a laboratory for certifying natural farming produce. This step is crucial to ensure that certified crops receive better prices in the market. Additionally, he stressed the adoption of micro-irrigation systems through effective water management within the proposed Smart Agriculture Zone, promoting resource efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Farmer Outreach and Awareness Campaigns
The Chief Minister directed officers to prepare a comprehensive calendar of farmer meetings, workshops, seminars, training programs, and awareness campaigns up to the block level. These initiatives are designed to disseminate knowledge about policy measures and educate farmers on the adverse effects of excessive chemical fertilizer and pesticide use, while highlighting the benefits of natural farming.
Broadening Agricultural Horizons
During the meeting, Saini held detailed discussions on various HKKP initiatives, including:
- Pilot cooperative farming clusters
- Use of advanced drainage techniques
- Solarisation of feeders under the PM-KUSUM scheme
- Crop diversification strategies
- Joint dairy projects
- Promotion of shrimp farming, goat and sheep rearing
- Encouragement of oilseeds and pulses cultivation during the Kharif season
He also emphasized making schemes more women-centric to empower women in the state, reflecting a holistic approach to agricultural development.
Promoting Herbal Farming
In a dedicated push for herbal farming, Saini directed officers of the Herbal Federation to prepare a comprehensive action plan for farmers engaged in medicinal plant cultivation. This includes:
- Compiling crop-wise data on different medicinal plants based on cultivation area
- Assessing which plants can be easily grown in specific regions
- Gathering detailed information on land usage and the number of farmers involved
These measures aim to organize farmers into clusters and motivate them to adopt medicinal plant farming, tapping into the growing demand for herbal products.
Overall, CM Nayab Singh Saini's directives signal a robust framework for transforming Haryana's agricultural landscape through innovation, sustainability, and farmer-centric policies, paving the way for enhanced rural prosperity and environmental stewardship.
