Manohar Lal Khattar reviews progress of works at horticulture varsity in Karnal

Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs and Power, Manohar Lal Khattar on Saturday visited Maharana Pratap Horticulture University (MHU), Karnal, located on National Highway-44, and reviewed the progress of the under-construction building. He inspected the construction work of the upcoming main campus building and directed officials to ensure its completion within the stipulated time frame.

Khattar said the horticulture university named after Maharana Pratap in Karnal was playing a significant role in promoting crop diversification in the region. The university aimed at developing advanced horticulture technologies and encouraged research in the agriculture sector, and it was progressing rapidly towards achieving these objectives.

He said the government was providing various incentives and facilities to promote cultivation of fruits and vegetables and encourage beekeeping. To boost horticulture, the state government has implemented the Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana for fruits and vegetables, which protects farmers from risks during periods of price decline in the market. He added that special mandis were also being developed so that the farmers did not have to travel far to sell fruits, flowers and vegetables.

Khattar said Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisioned doubling farmers’ income. Keeping this vision in mind, the Union Government was implementing numerous welfare schemes for the benefit of the farmers, ensuring direct benefits reached them. He appealed to the farmers to adopt natural farming practices, which also helped preserve natural biodiversity.

Vice-Chancellor Prof Suresh Malhotra welcomed the Union Minister and briefed him about the status of the new building as well as courses being offered to students.