Haryana Chief Minister Inaugurates Kharif Agriculture Fair, Calls for Sustainable Farming Revolution
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini inaugurated the two-day Kharif Agriculture Fair at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (CCS HAU) on Monday, declaring it not just a technology exchange platform but a celebration of farmers' unwavering hard work, dedication, and innovative spirit. The event, themed 'Sustainable Agriculture: Pathway to Prosperity', saw the CM as chief guest, with Agriculture Minister Shyam Singh Rana as guest of honour and Vice-Chancellor Baldev Raj Kamboj presiding.
Emphasis on Digital Transformation and Climate Resilience
In his address, CM Saini highlighted Haryana's pivotal role in the national food grain pool, attributing this success to coordinated efforts by farmers, scientists, and supportive government policies. He passionately urged for widespread adoption of digital agriculture, drone technology, and climate-smart farming practices to modernize the sector. Acknowledging the pressing challenges of climate change, Saini stressed the necessity of embracing climate-resilient techniques to safeguard agricultural productivity.
The Chief Minister also paid floral tributes to martyrs Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev Thapar, linking their sacrifice to the nation's progress, including in agriculture.
Key Initiatives and Government Commitments
Saini outlined several critical initiatives aimed at transforming Haryana's agricultural landscape:
- Promoting agriculture as a viable business and startup opportunity for youth to attract new talent to the sector.
- Encouraging the use of soil health cards, organic farming, and balanced fertilizer application to enhance soil vitality.
- Lauding the increasing contributions of women farmers and reiterating the government's commitment to boosting farmers' income and improving market access.
- Focusing on crop diversification to reduce dependency on the traditional paddy-wheat cycle, thereby ensuring economic and environmental sustainability.
Officials Highlight Urgent Agricultural Challenges
Vice-Chancellor Baldev Raj Kamboj addressed the gathering, pointing out severe challenges facing agriculture today, including climate change, soil degradation, and water scarcity. He advocated for sustainable and scientific farming methods such as:
- Micro-irrigation systems to optimize water usage.
- Direct-seeded rice techniques to conserve resources.
- Enhanced crop diversification for better soil health.
- Integration of digital tools in farming operations.
Agriculture Minister Shyam Singh Rana echoed these concerns, emphasizing water conservation and crop diversification as urgent needs amid depleting water resources and shifting climatic patterns. He urged farmers to increase cultivation of pulses and oilseeds alongside traditional crops to improve soil fertility and boost income. Rana also championed natural farming as an environmentally sustainable, chemical-free approach and encouraged indigenous cow rearing as part of this practice.
Inauguration of Nutri-Cereal Research Centre in Bhiwani
From the fair venue, CM Saini virtually inaugurated a newly constructed Nutri-Cereal Research Centre at Gokulpura village in Bhiwani district. Developed by CCS HAU at a cost of Rs 11.67 crore over 63 acres, the centre will focus on advanced research related to millets like bajra, jowar, ragi, and kangni. Its objectives include:
- Developing high-yielding, pest- and disease-resistant millet varieties.
- Researching improved cultivation practices, processing methods, and value addition.
- Supporting entrepreneurship development among farmers.
- Enhancing the nutritional value and shelf life of millets to promote their consumption.
The fair also featured an exhibition, which Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini inspected, showcasing innovations and technologies aimed at empowering Haryana's agricultural community. This event underscores the state's proactive steps toward a sustainable and prosperous farming future, aligning with national goals of food security and farmer welfare.
