Identify and resolve agricultural challenges in hilly areas like Morni - Chief Minister
Expansion of Vita booths to generate employment opportunities
Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh–
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has directed the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department to take direct feedback from farmers in hilly regions like Morni to understand the challenges they face in crop production.The Chief Minister was addressing officials during a review meeting to assess the progress of budget announcements for year 2025-26 here today.
He said that identified issues must be resolved on a priority basis. He also instructed the Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board to explore the feasibility of establishing small collection centers in such areas to facilitate the transportation of horticultural produce to the markets.
While reviewing the Agriculture Department's budget announcements, Saini said that a target has been set to promote natural farming on one lakh acres of land this year. He said that it is the vision of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi to expand natural farming practices across the country. In this direction, officers should work proactively to ensure greater participation of farmers in natural farming. The Chief Minister further directed that additional laboratories for natural farming should also be established. He stressed that schemes must be implemented with the same commitment and clarity with which they are formulated, ensuring maximum benefits reach the farmers at the grassroots level.
Horticulture to play a key role in enhancing farmers’ income
While reviewing the announcements of the Horticulture Department, Chief Minister directed officials to expedite the implementation of various schemes aimed at increasing farmers’ income through horticulture. He also emphasized the need to fast-track the rollout of the new horticulture policy to ensure its timely implementation.
During the meeting, it was informed that the Horticulture Department is currently operating 11 Centres of Excellence across the state, while three more are under construction. In the current budget, three additional Centres of Excellence have been proposed — for dates at Barwala (Hisar), for litchi at Nabipur (Ambala), and for strawberries at Chhachhrauli (Yamunanagar). Work on these centers is progressing at various stages and will be completed within the stipulated timelines.
Expansion of Vita booths to create employment opportunities
The Chief Minister directed that the number of Vita booths across the state should be increased to generate more employment opportunities for the people. He said that expanding the Vita network would not only strengthen the dairy sector but also provide livelihood support at the grassroots level.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister reviewed the progress of budget announcements related to the Agriculture Department, Horticulture Department, Vita, Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board, Haryana Warehousing Corporation and the Animal Husbandry and Dairy Department. He instructed officials to expedite the implementation of all initiatives and ensure their completion within the stipulated time frame.