Haryana Govt Encourages Crop Diversification & Organic Farming, Calls it Need of Hour

Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar officially set the foundation for the Haryana Animal Science Center in Bahal village and the Maharana Pratap Horticulture University's regional research center in Kharkari village.

During his visit, the CM officially opened and laid the foundation for 16 projects totaling approximately Rs 224.56 crore in various villages within the district.

The Chief Minister said that the Haryana Government had begun action to control the lumpy skin disease (LSD) and that approximately three lakh vaccines had been received for these animals. He told the media that vaccination work was being done on a war footing so that every cattle was vaccinated within a week. So far in the state, 28,000 cattle have been affected by LSD, he informed.

Khattar added that the state government has set a goal for Haryana to make it the leading state in milk production. The state government, according to the CM, is aiming to improve both the horticulture and animal husbandry industries. According to the Chief Minister, a farmer who adopts organic farming would receive Rs 25,000 for a desi cow, who also mentioned that 2,804 farmers had registered to practice organic farming.

"The farmers need to adapt to the needs, and the state government is also urging the farmers to choose crops that are less expensive, need less water, protect the environment, provide the highest-quality goods, and give the farmers a good income."

The CM praised the Kharkhari village gram panchayat for donating 120 acres for the regional research center and announced that the first installment of Rs 39 crore had been approved for its development. It will be ready in two years where horticulture farming research for better and hybrid varieties will be carried out.

The CM stated that the 9.4-acre Animal Science Centre at Behal, which would cost roughly Rs 9 crore, will be completed in two years. He continued by saying that cattle producers will find the canter to be of great use.

According to Khattar, the emphasis on crop diversification has led to an increase in the percentage of horticulture and animal husbandry in the state's agricultural economy. "At the moment, horticulture occupies 7% of Haryana's total cultivated area. We have a target to increase this area to 15 percent by 2030. We have undertaken many new initiatives to achieve this target,” he said.