Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday, 30 June called Haryana an inspiring model of agricultural development that other states across the country should emulate, speaking at the concluding ceremony of the 'Khet Bachao Abhiyan' in Rewari. The event, held alongside Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, also saw the inauguration of an agricultural industrial exhibition and the launch of the Haryana FPO Mission – 2026.

Key Developments at the Rewari Event

The concluding ceremony of the Khet Bachao Abhiyan brought together senior political leadership and farming communities to reaffirm commitments around soil health conservation, balanced fertiliser use, and the adoption of modern agricultural technologies. The agricultural industrial exhibition showcased the latest innovations available to farmers, while the Haryana FPO Mission – 2026 was formally launched to strengthen farmer producer organisations across the state.

The programme underscored the dual agenda of increasing farmers' incomes while preserving natural resources through scientific and sustainable farming practices.

What Shivraj Singh Chouhan Said

Addressing the gathering, Chouhan said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is moving rapidly towards becoming a developed nation, but stressed that this goal cannot be achieved without advanced agriculture and prosperous farmers. He described farmers as the backbone of the country's economy.

Chouhan highlighted that Haryana is among the leading states providing minimum support price (MSP) on 24 crops. He pointed to state schemes — Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana, Meri Fasal-Mera Byora, and Mera Pani-Meri Virasat — as examples that have meaningfully raised farmers' incomes and helped conserve natural resources.

'There was a time when India had to import foodgrains from abroad, but today, thanks to the hard work of farmers in states like Haryana, the country has become self-reliant in food grain production,' Chouhan said.

The Union Minister also cautioned farmers against the excessive use of chemical fertilisers such as urea and DAP, warning that overuse is adversely affecting soil fertility, disturbing nutrient balance, and causing environmental damage. He urged farmers to apply fertilisers only in balanced, scientifically recommended quantities.

Chief Minister Saini on Haryana's Agricultural Identity

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini noted that despite accounting for only 1.3% of India's geographical area, Haryana has carved out a unique identity in agriculture. He said the state is the second-largest contributor to the Central foodgrain pool, a testament to the dedication of its farming community.

Saini described Haryana as a strong pillar of national food security and said the state government is working continuously to increase farmers' incomes, maintain soil fertility, and promote sustainable agriculture so that the state retains its role as the nation's food bowl.

Broader Significance

Haryana's outsized contribution to national food security — from a land base of just 1.3% of India's geography — has long made it a reference point for agricultural policy. The launch of the FPO Mission – 2026 signals a push to institutionalise collective farming structures, which experts argue can improve bargaining power for small and marginal farmers. This comes amid broader Centre-level efforts to modernise India's agricultural supply chain and reduce dependence on chemical inputs.

Chouhan expressed confidence that with scientific farming, modern technologies, and active farmer participation, India will strengthen its position as a global agricultural power. All eyes will now be on the rollout of the Haryana FPO Mission – 2026 and whether its model gains traction in other states.