Nod to Rs 1,267-crore farm plan with focus on sustainability, water management
In a major boost to sustainable agriculture, the Haryana State Level Sanctioning Committee has approved an ambitious annual agricultural plan worth Rs 1,267.49 crore for 2025-26 under the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY). Chaired by Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi, the committee’s recommendations will now be forwarded to the Union Ministry of Agriculture for final approval.
Agri Budget Highlights
Total allocation: Rs 1,267.49 crore
Focus: Water conservation, crop diversification, entrepreneurship
Key schemes: Underground pipeline, mushroom farming, per drop more crop, crop residue management
Districts prioritised for water management: Karnal, Kaithal, Kurukshetra, Panipat, Sonepat & Yamunanagar
A key highlight of the plan is the promotion of Underground Pipeline (UGPL) systems in water-stressed districts, including Karnal, Kaithal, Kurukshetra, Panipat, Sonepat and Yamunanagar. With groundwater levels rapidly depleting, the government is prioritising efficient on-farm water management.
The state also plans to launch a vegetable-centric integrated farming model as part of its natural farming drive. This initiative is aimed at encouraging crop diversification, improving soil health and boosting nutritional security.
Further, a Central Mushroom Unit will be set up at the Regional Research Station, Karnal, and linked with Krishi Vigyan Kendras for field-level training. Managed by CCS Haryana Agricultural University (CCSHAU), Hisar, the initiative aims to support landless labourers and small farmers by promoting mushroom cultivation using agricultural waste like straw and sawdust.
Major schemes under the RKVY cafeteria include Per Drop More Crop (Rs 415.98 crore), followed by Crop Residue Management (Rs 250.75 crore), SMAM (Mechanisation) Rs 89.90 crore, Soil Health & Fertility (Rs 16.25 crore), Crop Diversification Programme (Rs 47.92 crore), and PKVY (Organic Farming) Rs 9.68 crore.
Under the Krishonnati Yojana, missions like National Food Security, Edible Oils, Seed Mission, ATMA, and MIDH (Rs 177 crore) have also received substantial funding.
