In recognition of its remarkable strides in agriculture and commitment to farmer welfare, Haryana was conferred the Policy Leadership Award at the 16th Agriculture Leadership Conclave 2025 held in New Delhi. Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal presented the award to CM Nayab Singh Saini, who credited the honor to Haryana’s hardworking farmers
He emphasized that agriculture in India is deeply woven into its cultural and emotional fabric. Highlighting farmers as the foundation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a developed India by 2047, CM Saini underscored the need to make farmers empowered and self-reliant for the nation’s overall growth.
Driving Innovation and Technology in Agriculture
CM Nayab Singh Saini spoke about Haryana’s initiatives to modernize farming through the use of digital tools. Farmers across the state are embracing technologies like drones, artificial intelligence, and remote sensing. Drones are now used for spraying fertilizers and pesticides, while digital platforms like e-NAM connect farmers to national markets. Crop insurance is tracked online, and the state is actively promoting agri-tech startups and entrepreneurship to future-proof its agricultural sector.
Empowering Farmers through Welfare Schemes
He detailed several welfare initiatives, including the Har Khet-Swasth Khet campaign, through which 90 lakh soil health cards have been distributed. Micro-irrigation systems are being supported with subsidies of up to 85%, and drone technology is being expanded into land record management and crop assessment.
The Drone Didi Yojana, aimed at training 5,000 women in drone operation, is also being implemented. Currently, 108 mandis across Haryana are linked to the e-NAM platform, allowing better price realization and market access for farmers.
CM Nayab Singh Saini addressed stubble burning, urging eco-friendly alternatives and mentioning a ₹1,500 per acre incentive for farmers avoiding this practice. He noted that the Supreme Court has also commended Haryana’s effective stubble management initiatives.
Haryana’s National Contribution and Farmer-Centric Policies
Highlighting the state’s role in national food security,CM Nayab Singh Saini said that Haryana is the only state to procure all 24 farmer-grown crops at Minimum Support Price (MSP). Through the Meri Fasal Mera Byora portal, farmers register crop details online and receive direct payments into their bank accounts within 48 hours of selling produce. Over the last 10 procurement seasons, more than ₹1.48 lakh crore has been transferred to farmers through MSP purchases.
In addition, ₹15,000 crore has been disbursed in compensation for crop loss due to natural disasters in the past decade.
The Mera Pani Meri Virasat scheme, designed to promote water conservation, has received nationwide acclaim. Under this initiative, farmers are given ₹8,000 per acre to either grow less water-intensive crops or leave land fallow. So far, ₹157 crore has been disbursed to encourage the switch on 2.2 lakh acres.
He also called on other states to view agriculture not merely as food production, but as the core of the rural economy and national development.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal Applauds Haryana’s Model
Union Minister Piyush Goyal praised CM Nayab Singh Saini visionary leadership and lauded Haryana as a model state in both agriculture and startups. He acknowledged Haryana’s policy-driven approach, which is transforming farming into a profitable and future-ready enterprise. Along with agriculture, the state is also witnessing rapid progress in industry, IT, township development, and innovation
The event was graced by several dignitaries, including Odisha Deputy CM Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, UP Minister Dharmpal Singh, BJP National Secretary Om Prakash Dhankar, Haryana BJP President Mohanlal Badoli, and Agriculture Commissioner Pankaj Agarwal.