What Efforts Are Being Made to Promote Natural Farming in Haryana?

Chandigarh, May 19 (NationPress) Haryana's Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shyam Singh Rana stated on Monday that the necessity of natural farming has reached a critical point, leading to the initiation of various efforts within the state to advocate for this approach.

He noted that there is an increasing enthusiasm among farmers to embrace natural farming methods. “Implementing this strategy will not only aid in curbing environmental pollution, but it will also help maintain soil health, thereby guaranteeing a sustainable source of nutritious food for humanity,” he articulated.

Rana made these remarks during a virtual discussion convened by Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, alongside Agriculture Ministers from various states.

He expressed appreciation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for inaugurating the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, a nationwide initiative set to take place from May 29 to June 12.

The campaign in Haryana will involve the Departments of Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, and Fisheries. The minister revealed that this initiative is slated to be executed in 1,380 villages across 109 blocks in 22 districts of Haryana.

To guarantee effective execution, 55 teams have been established, consisting of agricultural scientists from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, along with officials from the Animal Husbandry, Horticulture, and Fisheries sectors.

As part of this program, seminars for farmers will be organized. To enhance public awareness regarding the campaign, three mobile publicity vehicles will be dispatched to each district.

The Agriculture Minister indicated that during the campaign, farmers will be instructed on the cultivation of various crops including paddy, millet, moong, jowar, sugarcane, cotton, sunflower, and assorted vegetables.

Moreover, the focus will also be directed towards breeding high-yield indigenous breeds such as Murrah and Bhadawari buffaloes, alongside Sahiwal, Tharparkar, Gir, and Rathi cows.

During the meeting, Union Minister Chouhan remarked that the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan represents a significant initiative by the Centre aimed at enhancing agricultural output. He stressed that the common objective is to transform farming into a lucrative enterprise.

The campaign aims to boost grain production, secure national food safety, strengthen reserves of grains, pulses, fruits, and vegetables, and ensure the provision of nutritious food for the populace.