Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini reaffirmed the government’s commitment to increasing farmers’ income, highlighting several initiatives aimed at their welfare. He announced a 19.2% increase in the agriculture budget this year and plans to send young farmers to Israel to learn advanced agricultural techniques. Additionally, he revealed plans for a hostel and seminar hall at the Indo-Israel Vegetable Excellence Centre in Gharaunda and honored 74 progressive farmers. On Shaheedi Diwas, he paid tribute to revolutionaries Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru and released the ‘Haryana Horticulture’ magazine while visiting a farmer-organized exhibition.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the three-day 11th Mega Sabji Expo-2025 in Gharaunda, Saini praised Haryana’s farmers for embracing modern agricultural methods, moving beyond traditional crops, and excelling in fruit and vegetable cultivation as well as beekeeping. The expo, he said, provided an essential platform for farmers to learn about new technologies, improved crop varieties, and modern farming equipment.
Increased Budget for Agriculture and Allied Sectors
CM Nayab Singh emphasized the government’s pro-farmer stance, citing the significant budget increases: 50.91% for livestock, 95.5% for horticulture, 144.4% for fisheries, and 58.8% for cooperatives. He reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ensuring farmers’ prosperity.
Support for Farmers and Water Conservation Initiatives
CM Nayab Singh announced an increase in the subsidy for purchasing indigenous cows from ₹25,000 to ₹30,000. He also emphasized water conservation efforts under the “Per Drop-More Crop” initiative, promoting the use of drip irrigation, sprinklers, and mulching to preserve water resources. The government, he assured, is assisting farmers at every stage of cultivation—pre-sowing, post-sowing, and post-harvest—through various incentives and facilities.
Development of Horticulture Infrastructure
To strengthen horticulture, Haryana is setting up 140 fruit and vegetable collection and pack houses under the Horticulture Crop Cluster Development Programme at a cost of ₹510 crore. In each cluster, a Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) with 300 farmers is being formed, and an integrated pack house is being established. The government is also offering subsidies ranging from 50% to 85% for fruit orchards, vegetable farming, and mushroom cultivation.
Learning from Israel’s Advanced Farming Techniques
CM Nayab Singh noted the similarities between and Israel’s climate and land, making Israeli farming technologies highly relevant. To enhance productivity, skilled youth from Haryana are being sent to Israel for training. Additionally, Haryana, in collaboration with Israel, has established the Integrated Bee Development Centre in Ramnagar, Kurukshetra. The state is also developing an international fruit and vegetable market in Ganaur at ₹2,600 crore, alongside an apple market in Pinjore, a flower market in Gurugram, and a spice market in Sonipat. Three new Centers of Excellence for litchi (Ambala), strawberry (Yamunanagar), and date palm (Hisar) are also being planned.
Use of Advanced Technology in Farming
To modernize agriculture, the government has adopted the ‘Namo Drone Didi’ scheme, enabling the use of drones for farming. Haryana has already implemented this initiative and trained 100 women in drone operation.
Call for Innovation in Farming
Haryana Assembly Speaker Harvinder Kalyan stressed the importance of sustainable water use and increasing tree cover to combat future challenges. He suggested introducing short-term training courses at the Indo-Israel Centre of Excellence to equip youth with modern farming skills. Agriculture Minister Shyam Singh Rana encouraged farmers to embrace innovation and take advantage of government schemes, emphasizing the need for global agricultural practices to strengthen Haryana’s economy.
The event was attended by MLAs Jagmohan Anand and Yoginder Rana, senior government officials, and agricultural experts, underscoring the state’s commitment to transforming Haryana’s farming sector.