Government Rewards Farmers for Growing Crops Other Than Paddy

The state government's "Mera Pani Meri Virasat" initiative is gaining traction in the paddy-growing Karnal district, where around 1,200 farmers have abandoned paddy in favor of alternative crops such as maize, arhar, moong, oilseeds, and vegetables, after registering with the agriculture and horticulture departments.

The state government launched the "Mera Pani Meri Virasat" plan to encourage farmers to grow crops other than paddy, under which farmers are awarded Rs 7,000 per acre for growing crops other than paddy. They must register on the department's webpage, and following verification, the farmers are offered incentives.

Both the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments were assigned the goal of converting 5,600 acres of paddy land to other crops. The Agriculture Department has successfully converted 3851 acres of its objective of 4,350 acres to other crops, while the Horticulture Department has converted 509 acres of its aim of 1,250 acres to other crops.

"We have accomplished 89 percent of our objective and are confident that we will meet the remaining target by the June 30 deadline," said Aditya Dabas, Deputy Director of Agriculture (DDA).

Farmers in the Assandh block are more interested in this initiative, with 1,080 acres moved to other crops, exceeding the aim of 850 acres. In comparison to its aim of 825 acres, the Gharaunda block has converted 550 acres to various alternative crops.

According to statistics, Nilokheri has switched 463 acres to other crops, compared to a target of 710 acres.

According to the statistics, the Karnal block switched 415 acres against the objective of 720 acres, while Indri exceeded its target by shifting 593 acres against the target of 525 acres. Nissing has also exceeded the aim by switching 750 acres as opposed to the target of 720 acres.