Haryana CM visits agriculture fair in Hisar, calls for sustainable agri practices

HISAR, Oct 1: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Thursday said that amid changing climatic conditions and increasing pressure on natural resources, it is imperative to promote agricultural practices to achieve higher production with less water and fewer resources.

Sustainable cotton production, crop diversification and conservation of water resources are not only the need of the hour but also a roadmap for a secure agricultural system for future generations, Saini said.

He was addressing farmers, agricultural scientists and experts associated with the agriculture sector after inaugurating the two-day Agriculture Fair (Rabi) at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University here.

On the occasion, he visited the agriculture exhibition and gathered information about the latest agricultural technologies, improved seeds, farm machinery and other agricultural products displayed for farmers at various stalls.

Saini said that the agriculture fair is an important platform for the exchange of knowledge and technology between farmers and scientists.

Farmers get information about improved rabi seeds, modern agricultural techniques, machinery, crop management and the latest research taking place in the agriculture sector at one place.

Referring to the cotton-picking machine displayed at the fair, he said the machine can pick cotton from one acre in an hour and takes half the time compared to manual picking.

The chief minister said the Haryana government is promoting machines for cotton picking and sugarcane peeling, along with other such technologies, so that the area under cotton and sugarcane cultivation does not decline due to labour shortages.

Saini said that cotton is one of the important cash crops of Haryana. It is particularly linked to the livelihood of lakhs of farming families in Sirsa, Fatehabad, Hisar and adjoining areas.

Therefore, he said, "We proudly call it white gold".

The agricultural university and the Cotton Research Centre in Sirsa have done commendable work in developing new varieties, better seeds and scientific crop management, he added.

He, however, said that cotton cultivation is also facing new challenges. Weather patterns are changing rapidly. Therefore, agricultural technologies and seed varieties that can better withstand changing weather conditions and pests need to be developed rapidly.

He pointed out that crop diversification is another important aspect of the theme of this fair.

"If there is water, there is agriculture, there is a village, and there is life."

Haryana has made a major contribution to the country's food security, but there is concern about groundwater.

"We need to move towards farming that produces more and better output with less water. Growing the same type of crops continuously affects soil health."

Traditionally, growing wheat and paddy requires high water consumption, while the entire world is facing a water crisis. Therefore, we need to adopt pulses, oilseeds and crops that require less water, he added.

Saini said that the government is implementing the 'Mera Pani-Meri Virasat' scheme to promote such crops. Under this scheme, farmers who grow alternative crops or leave their fields fallow are provided financial assistance of Rs 8,000 per acre. So far, financial assistance of Rs 166.34 crore has been provided to 1.59 lakh farmers for sowing alternative crops in place of paddy on 2.34 lakh acres.

Saini said that natural farming under the name of Smart Agriculture would be started on a 2,000-acre cluster in Kurukshetra district with the support of Haryana Agricultural University. If farmers suffer any loss under this initiative, the Haryana government will compensate them.

An incentive of Rs 1,200 per acre has been provided for proper management and baling of paddy straw. A sum of Rs 909 crore has already been provided to 10 lakh farmers as subsidy.

The chief minister felicitated 45 progressive farmers from across the state at the Agriculture Fair. The awardees included 30 male and 15 female farmers who have done notable work in various fields, including natural farming, crop diversification, crop residue management, mushroom production, food processing, dairy farming, beekeeping and vermicomposting. (PTI)