Will Haryana Lead the Way with Natural Organic Markets in Gurugram and Hisar?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Establishment of natural markets in Gurugram and Hisar.
- Financial support of Rs 20,000 for farmers.
- Focus on fair pricing through a dedicated committee.
- Free testing services for natural produce.
- Incentives for using natural farming methods.
Chandigarh, June 6 (NationPress) — In a significant initiative aimed at enhancing natural farming on a broad scale in Haryana and increasing awareness among the agricultural community, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini unveiled plans on Thursday to set up natural and organic markets in Gurugram and Hisar.
The market in Gurugram will primarily focus on the production of wheat, paddy, and pulses, while the Hisar market will emphasize fruits and vegetables cultivated through natural and organic methods. Furthermore, a committee will be established under the Haryana Kisan Kalyan Pradhikaran to set fair prices for produce cultivated using natural and organic practices, according to an official announcement.
These revelations were made during the Natural Farming Conference, held in celebration of World Environment Day at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University in Hisar.
The Chief Minister also declared a financial grant of Rs 20,000 per farmer to assist with the branding and packaging of natural farming products. Dedicated laboratories will be established to test produce from natural and organic farming, offering testing services to farmers at no cost.
Additionally, the Chief Minister revealed that 53 acres belonging to the Agriculture Department in Pundri block of Kaithal district will be leased to farmers practicing natural farming through an auction. He also stated that in each panchayat, 10 percent of panchayat land or at least one acre will be exclusively reserved for natural farming, with this land allotted solely to landless farmers via auction.
As an extra incentive, farmers who engage in natural farming on government or panchayat land will receive Rs 3,000 to purchase four drums for storing and processing raw materials under the Natural Farming Scheme.
A subsidy of Rs 30,000 will be made available for acquiring a ‘desi’ cow.
According to CM Saini, individuals globally are committing to protecting air, water, and soil, seeking ways to eliminate pollution. In this regard, he stressed that natural farming presents a sustainable answer to these urgent environmental issues. He believes that natural farming will not only redirect agriculture in Haryana but also inspire the nation as a whole.