Chandigarh (KK)- The lush fields of Haryana are not just a testament to nature's bounty but also to the resilience and innovation of the state's farmers. Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal, the Haryana government is sowing the seeds of prosperity, nurturing them with cutting-edge innovations, and harvesting a transformation that is reshaping the lives of the state's agricultural workforce. Through an array of farmer-centric policies, the Manohar Lal-led government is scripting a remarkable success story across Haryana's farmlands, fostering both prosperity and sustainability.

The Chief Minister always values the happiness and prosperity of the 'Aanndata,' who provide food to the state and country.  Formulating and successfully implementing numerous farmer-friendly policies since 2014 supporting and uplifting the agricultural sector, including providing access to modern technology, fair prices, and irrigation, the Manohar Sarkar has always acknowledged that agriculture plays a crucial role in the economic and social fabric of many nations, and ensuring the well-being of farmers is essential for overall progress and development.

Government's commitment to providing high-quality, certified seeds to local farmers

Recognizing the significance of quality-certified seeds, the Haryana government is steadfast in its efforts to make them accessible to every farmer. Through seed distribution grants, farmers can purchase certified seeds at reasonable rates. The budget allocations have been consistently generous, with increasing investments over the years. This foresight ensures that Haryana's fields are always sown with the promise of a prosperous harvest.

The subsidy is provided to all those farmers who purchase seeds from HSDC, HLRDC, HAIC, HAFED, HAU, NSC, IFFCO/IFFDC and NFL seed sale centres. From October 2019 to  March 31,  2020, a total of Rs. 45 crore and during the year 2020-21, a total of Rs. 55 crore were distributed under the RKVY scheme and State Plan scheme. In the financial year 2021-22, a quantity of approximately 6 lakh quintals of seeds were distributed to the farmers through various government agencies, for which about Rs. 67.70 crore were made available to various government agencies through the department. An amount of Rs. 58 crore has been distributed for the year 2022-23 under the RKVY scheme and the State Plan scheme, and an amount of Rs. 42.25 crore for the year 2023-24 has been distributed under the State Plan scheme for providing subsidy on seeds for the Rabi 2022-23 season.

Modernizing Agriculture: From Plough to Progress

In a digital age, the adoption of modern technology in agriculture is not a luxury but a necessity. The government has taken a substantial step in educating and encouraging farmers to embrace innovation. The Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) scheme offers subsidies of 40-50 percent to individual machinery loanee farmers for mechanization.

Under the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) scheme, from the year 2014-15 to the present, 32,523 machinery have been made available to individual farmers with a subsidy of 40-50 percent, and 472 machinery banks have been established. An amount of more than Rs. 315 crore has been provided as subsidies to the state's farmers. In the year 2022-23, 2,330 machines were provided to farmers with a subsidy of 40-50 percent. Additionally, for the year 2023-24, a provision of Rs. 53 crore has been made by the Government of India for the implementation of the scheme.

Cultivating Sustainability: Tackling Crop Residues

In the quest for optimal crop production, managing crop residues is a critical challenge. Haryana's government, understanding the urgency, offers subsidies ranging from 50 percent to 80 percent on equipment for crop residue management. Under this initiative, from the year 2018-19 to 2021-22, 41,331 crop residue management equipment were made available to individual farmers with a subsidy of 50 percent to mitigate pollution caused by burning crop residues in the National Capital Region. Additionally, 6,775 custom hiring centres were established with an 80 percent subsidy. More than Rs. 584 crore have been provided as subsidies to the state's farmers.

In the year 2022-23, 7,294 farmers purchased crop residue management agricultural machinery with a subsidy of Rs. 82 crore. Moreover, for the year 2023-24, the Government of India has allocated Rs. 300 crore for the implementation of the scheme.

The numbers are staggering, with thousands of farmers benefitting from this initiative, and significant subsidies provided. The budget for the forthcoming year underscores the government's unwavering dedication to this issue.

Soil Health: The Foundation of Prosperity

A visionary campaign launched by Chief Minister, 'Har Khet Swasth Khet' focuses on soil health, a foundation of successful agriculture. Soil samples from every acre of land in the state are collected over several years, providing farmers with valuable soil health cards. The establishment of soil, water, pesticide, and fertilizer testing laboratories has simplified the process, making it accessible to all. The government's investment in these laboratories underscores its commitment to fostering sustainable farming practices.

Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal’s commitment to the fields, the soil, and the people is a testament to the state's vision of a bountiful tomorrow for its farmers. In a region where the progress of the state is intrinsically tied to the well-being of its farmers, the Manohar Lal-led government is leaving no stone unturned to make the fields fertile and the future bright.