Agriculture Minister exhorts farmers to adopt natural farming at Kharif Mela in Haryana's Karnal
Says, need of the hour
Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shyam Singh Rana on Sunday called on farmers to adopt natural farming practice instead of chemical-based cultivation, terming it the “need of the hour.” He exhorted the farmers to use quality fertilisers, conduct regular soil testing, opt for improved seeds, and adopt sprinkler irrigation systems to conserve water. The minister was addressing the farmers at the Kharif Kisan Mela organised by the ICAR-Central Soil Salinity Research Institute (CSSRI).
Earlier, the minister also visited stalls set up by various divisions, including soil and crop management, irrigation and drainage engineering, crop improvement, social science research, of various institutions of the ICAR, and different departments of the Union and the state governments.
Rana said the Kisan Mela was organised to help the farmers prepare for the upcoming kharif season, enabling them to select suitable seeds and assess soil health in advance. “The government is always concerned about the farmers’ welfare. Such Kisan Mela provides valuable knowledge and exposure to modern agricultural practices,” he said.
Highlighting Haryana’s agricultural strength, the minister said although the state accounted for only 1.3 per cent of India’s total land area, it remained a leader in several sectors. He emphasised the strong link between agriculture and animal husbandry in Haryana, recalling the traditional blessing “Doodho Nahao, Puto Phalo” as a symbol of the state’s dairy-rich heritage. He said Haryana’s rural lifestyle and traditional diet had contributed to the state’s remarkable presence in the armed forces and sporting achievements, including Olympics success.
The minister pointed out that at the time of Haryana’s formation, large area of land was saline and water scarcity was a serious concern. Nearly three lakh acres still faced saline water issues. He appreciated the role of the ICAR-CSSRI, established in 1969 in Karnal, in reclaiming such land and improving productivity. He said the government aimed to quadruple farmers’ income by 2047. He contrasted past practices—when payments often remained stuck with commission agents—with the current system, under which crop payments were directly transferred to the farmers’ accounts within 48 hours. He also mentioned the Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana, introduced to compensate farmers for price differences and losses.
Calling India uniquely suited for agriculture due to its fertile plains and favourable climate, the minister reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening the farmers by 2047. He exhorted the farmers to conduct periodic soil testing, use high-quality seeds, and adopt sprinkler irrigation systems to save water and ensure sustainable growth. On the occasion, the minister felicitated several progressive farmers from districts, including Patiala, Sonepat, Kaithal, Karnal, and Jind with certificates of appreciation and mementoes. A quiz competition was also organised for the farmers, and prizes were distributed to the participants who answered correctly. Dr RK Yadav, Director of the CCSRI and Dr Amaresh Kumar Nayak, Deputy Director-General of the ICAR, New Delhi, highlighted the works done by the CCSRI and ICAR.
