In Ladwa, CM Saini laid the foundation stone of the new sub-divisional secretariat building, to be constructed at a cost of Rs 16.20 crore. He also inaugurated nine Public Works Department roads worth Rs 6.85 crore. Notably, Ladwa will now host the Krishi Vikas Mela every year. During the event held at the Ladwa grain market, the CM toured university and farmer stalls by riding a tractor, interacting directly with cultivators and scientists. Progressive farmers were honoured with citations and mementoes. HAU Vice-Chancellor Prof B R Kamboj felicitated the CM and Haryana agriculture and farmers’ welfare minister Shyam Singh Rana. Highlighting the theme of the fair—”More Crop per Drop”—CM Saini said climate change, falling groundwater levels and erratic rainfall posed new challenges for agriculture, making water conservation a national priority. He urged scientists to ensure that research moves beyond laboratories and reaches every farm, stressing that direct dialogue between farmers and scientists is key to agricultural progress. The CM outlined several govt initiatives, including the Mera Pani–Meri Virasat scheme, under which farmers adopting alternative crops instead of paddy, or leaving fields fallow, receive Rs 8,000 per acre. Under this scheme, Rs 157 crore was provided for over 2.20 lakh acres. He also noted that micro-irrigation systems such as drip and sprinkler irrigation attract subsidies of up to 85 percent, while similar assistance is provided for farm ponds. CM Saini said 27 projects were planned to use treated water from sewage treatment plants for irrigation, with 11 already completed. He added that more than 1 lakh machines were distributed to tackle stubble management, and strict laws were enacted to curb fake seeds and pesticides. Promoting diversification, the CM said Haryana is the first state to include 21 crops under the Mukhyamantri Horticulture Insurance Scheme. Over Rs 157 crore was paid to more than 35,000 farmers under price compensation schemes for fruits and vegetables. Agriculture minister Shyam Singh Rana emphasised the need to reduce dependence on water-intensive crops like paddy and adopt alternative crops, livestock rearing, fisheries and modern technologies such as direct-seeded rice.During the fair, HAU highlighted successful research on nearly 50 crop varieties. Progressive women farmers from across the state were specially honoured. A lucky draw was also held for visiting farmers, with prizes including a tractor, rotavator and a direct-seeded rice machine. Senior officials, legislators and representatives from agriculture, administration and local bodies were present at the event. Ends MSID:: 128887677 413 |
