Explainer: Haryana forms new committee to study farmers’ issues
The Nayab Singh Saini government has formed a high-level committee with the objective of examining the feasibility of making farming a profitable occupation. It will examine the cost of cultivation of major kharif and rabi crops and suggest measures to keep state’s agricultural sector robust, competitive and sustainable in the years to come. Through the committee, the government aims at formulating policies that balance the interests of farmers, consumers and align with state's economic priorities.
What is the mandate of the committee?
The high committee will be tasked with evaluating the prevailing price policy, the cost of cultivation and offering comprehensive recommendations on the necessary actions to make policies more effective and responsive to the needs of the farmers in Haryana. The setting up of the committee comes as an offshoot of the need for a sustainable and farmer-friendly price policy that ensures fair remuneration for agricultural produce, promotes crop diversification and addresses the challenges posed by rising production costs.
Who constitutes the committee?
To be headed by the Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, the committee will have Director, Additional Directors, Joint Directors and Deputy Directors from the Agriculture Department, heads of economics and agronomy section of Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (CCSHAU), Hisar, and Director of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department as members and Chief Executive Officer of the Haryana Kisan Kalyan Pradhikaran as Member Secretary. It will meet twice a year.
Will stakeholders be involved in the deliberations?
The initiative is a significant step towards ensuring that our agricultural policies align with the evolving needs of our farmers. By bringing together experts, stakeholders, and farmer representatives, the government aims at creating a platform that actively addresses the challenges faced by the agricultural community, ensures fair remuneration and promotes sustainable farming practices. The panel will serve as a catalyst for informed decision-making, paving the way for more effective policies that prioritise the well-being of farmers and strengthen the agricultural sector as a whole.
Are there any political ramifications of the decision?
With farmers in the neighbouring Punjab demonstrating against the Central Government demanding legislation to ensure MSP for their crops, the Haryana Government’s decision to set up the committee would sent a strong message to the farming community that it cared for their well-being. With elections due in Punjab in early 2027, pro-farmers measures in Haryana will stand the saffron party in good stead in the neighbouring Punjab. Already Haryana is the only state in the country which has notified MSP for 24 crops with 14 crops, including paddy, bajra, kharif moong, urd, arhar, wheat and mustard being currently procured on the MSP.
