Karnal, May 28:- Aiming to give a new direction to the horticulture sector, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini made several significant announcements. He stated that Master's degree and PhD programs in new subjects like Post-Harvest Management, Plant Pest Control, and Plant Pathology will be introduced at the Maharana Pratap Horticultural University. Additionally, the state government will dedicate 14 Horticulture Science Centers to the university, which will play a crucial role in delivering modern technology, quality planting material, and scientific advice to farmers.
The Chief Minister was addressing the inaugural ceremony of a national conference organized by the Maharana Pratap Horticultural University and the Lieutenant Amit Memorial Foundation in Karnal. The theme of the conference was “Strategic Paradigm for Quality Seeds and Planting Material for Horticultural Crops in Amrit Kaal.” He inaugurated the program by lighting the lamp and paid tribute to the martyr Lieutenant Amit. Scientists and progressive farmers were also honored during the event.
The Chief Minister said that India is the second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables in the world, but suffers heavy economic losses due to the lack of quality planting material, grading, and post-harvest management. He mentioned that agricultural productivity can increase by 15-25% with quality seeds/plants, and horticultural production can increase by 30-40% with disease-free planting material.
He noted that with changing climates, declining water levels, and small landholdings, increasing farmers' income through traditional farming is difficult. Thus, horticulture-based farming is becoming a new medium for prosperity. Cultivation of fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, flowers, and medicinal plants is growing rapidly in Haryana, with farmers achieving higher yields through techniques like drip irrigation, polyhouses, net houses, and tissue culture.
The Chief Minister stated that the state government aims to double the horticulture area and triple the production by the year 2030. 13 Centers of Excellence have been established in the state. Under the Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana, protected prices for 21 horticultural crops have been fixed, benefiting 40,000 farmers with ?196 crore so far. Under the Mukhya Mantri Bagwani Bima Yojana, compensation for losses due to natural disasters will be increased from ?40,000 to ?50,000 per acre for fruits, and from ?30,000 to ?40,000 per acre for vegetables and spices.
He added that the government is promoting smart horticulture techniques like hydroponics, aeroponics, greenhouses, and vertical farming. Additionally, plans are underway to establish rural 'haat' mandis and implement a cold chain policy. On this occasion, Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Suresh Malhotra, briefed about the university's achievements in research, training, and farmer welfare.