Double-Engine Government Committed to Uplifting Farmers, Says Haryana Chief Minister Naib Singh Saini
- Breaking NewsHARYANAHEADLINES
- January 9, 2025
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The Haryana Chief Minister, Naib Singh Saini, emphasized the state government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare and upliftment of farmers, highlighting the collective efforts of the double-engine government at the state and central levels. Speaking at a pre-budget consultation meeting held at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University in Hisar, the Chief Minister underscored the importance of boosting farmers’ income and making them economically self-reliant. He noted that with 70 percent of Haryana’s farmers owning small landholdings, targeted strategies and policies are essential to their empowerment. The government is planning new budgetary provisions to ensure that all farmers, regardless of their land size, receive better financial returns from their agricultural endeavors.
The meeting witnessed active participation from progressive farmers, members of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and agricultural experts. The Chief Minister engaged in one-on-one discussions, with over 52 valuable suggestions presented during the first session. The second session focused on inputs from FPO members and their federations, providing critical insights into farmers’ challenges and opportunities for growth.
During the discussions, the Chief Minister reiterated the government’s focus on improving the economic status of smallholding farmers. He highlighted the pivotal role of agriculture, which contributes 18 percent to Haryana’s GDP, and emphasized the need for innovative measures such as e-mandis and alternative agricultural practices to increase farmers’ earnings. The Chief Minister praised the infrastructural advancements under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, including enhanced road and rail connectivity, which have significantly eased the transportation of crops across regions. He also spoke about the government’s commitment to promoting organic farming and acknowledged the notable efforts of Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat in advancing organic agricultural practices.
The Chief Minister encouraged farmers to adopt crop diversification as a means of enhancing their income. Moving beyond traditional farming methods, he urged farmers to explore the production of millet and other coarse grains, in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of popularizing these crops on a global scale. He cited the success stories of farmers in Hisar’s Siyahdwa region cultivating strawberries and those in Sirsa excelling in kinnow farming, illustrating the potential of non-traditional farming practices to generate higher profits.
In a step towards inclusivity and transparency, the Chief Minister announced that citizens, progressive farmers, and FPO representatives could provide suggestions for the state’s 2025-26 budget through an online portal. These inputs will be carefully considered and integrated into the budgetary framework to address grassroots-level challenges.
The consultation meeting was attended by prominent officials, including the Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Rajesh Khullar, Additional Chief Secretary of the Finance Department, Anurag Rastogi, Additional Chief Secretary of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department, Raja Sekhar Vundru, and Vice-Chancellor of Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Professor B.R. Kamboj, among other dignitaries. Their presence underscored the collaborative efforts to craft a budget that aligns with the aspirations of Haryana’s farming community and paves the way for sustainable agricultural development.
The Chief Minister reaffirmed the government’s dedication to introducing farmer-centric policies and creating an ecosystem where even small-scale farmers can achieve financial stability. With a strong emphasis on organic farming, crop diversification, and infrastructural improvements, the Haryana government aims to revolutionize the agricultural sector, ensuring long-term prosperity for its farmers.
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