Minister chairs key meeting on budget announcements and commitments made in the government’s Sankalp Patra
Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh–
Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shyam Singh Rana has directed officers to identify and promote direct sowing techniques in as many crops as possible across the state. He said that direct sowing would help save irrigation water, reduce expenses on ploughing, and thus lower the overall cost of cultivation for farmers.
The Minister gave these directions while presiding over a review meeting on budget announcements and the government’s Sankalp Patra commitments.
While reviewing the ‘Mera Pani Meri Virasat scheme’, Rana said that water resources are limited, and therefore farmers should be encouraged to grow crops that require less water. He directed officers to prepare a special plan for farmers in the hilly Morni region of Panchkula district so that they can effectively cultivate crops on small and sloping lands.
He said that since Haryana’s geography varies, with sand dunes in some areas, hills in others, and flat plains elsewhere, schemes should be adapted to regional conditions to ensure maximum benefit for farmers. Rana reviewed the implementation of ongoing schemes and emphasized the need to make them more women-oriented. He directed the officers to expedite the implementation of the interest-free loan scheme for women, under which loans up to Rs. 1 lakh will be provided.
The Agriculture Minister also reviewed the performance of the Haryana State Warehousing Corporation Limited, seeking updates on the status of warehouse construction in various districts as announced in the state budget, and directed officers to accelerate the pace of work.
Reviewing issues related to the Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board, Rana sought details about the online integration of mandis, the establishment of a flower market in Gurugram and arrangements made for farmers during paddy procurement. He also directed horticulture department officers to formulate the State Horticulture Policy at the earliest and to speed up work on setting up the three proposed Centres of Excellence.