Rs 1,198 cr earmarked to boost sustainable farming, infrastructure
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, August 8
The state-level sanctioning committee of the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) and Krishonnati Yojana, chaired by Chief Secretary TVSN Prasad, has approved the Annual Action Plan for the fiscal 2024-25. Under the plan, Rs 1,198.27 crore has been allocated to advance agricultural productivity, support sustainable farming and enhance farmer livelihoods through strategic investments in infrastructure and value addition.
The RKVY Cafeteria scheme’s total action plan amounts to Rs 995.50 crore, while the Krishonnati Yojana action plan is valued at Rs 203.27 crore.
While presiding over the committee meeting, the Chief Secretary emphasised the urgent need for water conservation and promoting micro-irrigation initiatives. He highlighted the role of Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (CCSHAU), Hisar, the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and the Irrigation Department in jointly taking concrete steps to promote micro-irrigation on a large scale. Prasad also suggested adopting a micro-irrigation system on 1,000 acres at the university to provide a practical demonstration for farmers. The Irrigation and Water Resources Department has set a target to bring 1 lakh acres under micro-irrigation.
Prasad stressed the need to transfer agricultural research from laboratories to the field to benefit farmers promptly. He addressed the issue of pink bollworm infestation in cotton-growing areas, attributing it to agricultural waste. He urged CCSHAU to adopt villages and train farmers to combat this pest. Continuous monitoring of preventive measures is essential to eradicate this disease.
It was informed at the meeting that the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare had developed an app for soil testing, enabling farmers to receive soil test reports directly on their mobile phones.
Under the RKVY Cafeteria scheme, the committee has approved seven projects amounting to Rs 3,662.30 lakh for the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department. The CCSHAU will undertake 15 projects with a total allocation of Rs 1,286.86 lakh. Maharana Partap Horticulture University, Karnal, has received approval for one project worth Rs 240 lakh. The Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Karnal, will carry out two projects totalling Rs 673.50 lakh.
2024-25 Action plan
The Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana Cafeteria scheme’s total action plan amounts to ~995.50 crore, while the Krishonnati Yojana action plan is valued at ~203.27 crore
