Sustainable agriculture is the foundation of future prosperity: CM
Nutri-Cereals Research Centre established at Gokulpura, Bhiwani over 64 acres at a cost of Rs. 11.67Cr inaugurated
Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh-
Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini on Monday inaugurated the Kharif Krishi Mela-2026 at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (CCS HAU), Hisar, and appreciated the initiative of bringing farmers, scientists and innovation onto a common platform. He said the soil of Hisar symbolizes hard work, livestock prosperity and the sacrifices of brave soldiers. Rakhigarhi represents the pride of our ancient civilization, while Agroha narrates the story of Maharaja Agrasen’s ideals of social harmony and trade prosperity. Upon arrival at the fair, the Chief Minister first paid floral tributes to the statues of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev on the occasion of Shaheedi Diwas.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister also released publications brought out by the university’s Directorate of Extension Education, Cotton Section, Oilseeds Department and other departments to disseminate information among farmers. Vice Chancellor of CCS HAU, Prof. B.R. Kamboj, presented a memento symbolizing prosperous farming in the form of a plough to the Chief Minister.
He said the auspicious occasion of Navratri, dedicated to Maa Skandamata, coinciding with the martyrdom day of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev, inspires us with the values of sacrifice, penance and dedication. The agricultural fair, based on the theme “Sustainable Agriculture – Path to Prosperity,” reflects this spirit.
The Chief Minister said that the fair organized by CCS HAU is a symbol of farmers’ hard work and scientists’ foresight. The university has made significant contributions in the areas of improved seeds, water conservation, soil health and climate-smart agriculture. He further informed that a Nutri-Cereals Research Centre has been inaugurated at Gokulpura village in Bhiwani district, spread over 64 acres and built at a cost of Rs. 11.67 crore. The centre will work towards developing disease- and pest-resistant varieties of millets, enhancing shelf life of millet flour, establishing market linkages for producers, and promoting value addition. It will also develop modern processing technologies for millet-based products.
During the fair, the Chief Minister honoured 42 progressive farmers, including 21 women, describing them as a source of inspiration for the state’s progress. He said Haryana has now become the second-largest contributor to the country’s food grain pool, which is a result of farmers’ hard work, scientific research and government policies.
Referring to the vision of Viksit Bharat-2047, the Chief Minister said that farmers are the backbone of this goal. The double-engine government is working towards transforming agriculture into a profitable enterprise and empowering farmers. He emphasized adopting modern and sustainable farming practices to address challenges such as declining groundwater levels, soil fertility degradation and climate change. He highlighted drip and sprinkler irrigation, natural and organic farming, and the use of modern agricultural machinery as the need of the hour.
He mentioned the crop diversification initiative and the “Mera Pani Meri Virasat” scheme, under which farmers are being given financial assistance of Rs. 8,000 per acre for adopting alternative crops. So far, Rs. 157 crore has been distributed over 2.20 lakh acres under this scheme. Up to 85% subsidy is being provided for micro-irrigation technologies, and rainwater harvesting is being promoted for water conservation. Farmers are also being given up to 85% subsidy for constructing ponds. He urged farmers to move beyond the traditional paddy-wheat cycle. Thanking Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Sh. Shivraj Singh Chouhan for the National Agriculture Development Scheme, he said that Rs. 16.66 crore has been allocated for pulses and Rs. 25 crore for oilseeds under the scheme.
The Chief Minister said that more than one lakh machines have been provided to farmers for stubble management. At present, 24 crops are being procured at Minimum Support Price in the state, and Rs. 1.64 lakh crore has been paid to 12 lakh farmers through the e-Kharid portal. Payments for crop procurement are now being made within 48 hours.
He further said that under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, Rs. 7,562 crore has been transferred to 20 lakh farmers, while claims worth Rs. 16,160 crore have been settled under crop insurance. To promote horticulture, more than 35,000 farmers have been given Rs. 157 crore under the Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana.
Referring to the Mukhyamantri Bagwani Bima Yojana, he said that farmers are being protected from uncertainties of weather, with 21 crops covered under the scheme. He urged youth to adopt drones, artificial intelligence and digital technologies in agriculture, highlighting immense opportunities in agri-startups and food processing.