State forms panel for fair crop price policy

The Haryana Government has set up a high-level committee to review the state’s price policy for major kharif and rabi crops. The committee, chaired by the Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, aims to assess cultivation costs and ensure a fair pricing structure for farmers.

A Haryana Kisan Kalyan Pradhikaran spokesperson said, "The state government is committed to enhancing the welfare of farmers and ensuring that the agricultural sector remains robust, competitive and sustainable. This committee will help shape policies that balance the interests of farmers, consumers and the state’s economic goals."

The committee will meet twice a year to evaluate the existing price policy, analyse cultivation costs, and propose recommendations for policy enhancements. "The formation of this committee comes in response to 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," the spokesperson said.

The committee’s assessment will cover key factors such as input costs, labour, irrigation, and other expenses associated with farming. Based on its findings, it will provide strategic recommendations to improve the effectiveness of Haryana’s agricultural pricing policy. "The committee will focus on ensuring that the price policy benefits farmers while addressing their economic needs and challenges, contributing to the growth of Haryana's agricultural sector," the spokesperson said.

The committee comprises officials from the Agriculture Department, including the Director, Additional Directors, Joint Directors, and Deputy Directors. It will also include experts from the Economics and Agronomy sections of Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (CCSHAU), Hisar, the Director of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs Department, and the chief executive officer of Haryana Kisan Kalyan Pradhikaran as Member Secretary.

"This 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 to create a platform that actively addresses the challenges faced by the agricultural community, ensures fair remuneration and promotes sustainable farming practices," the spokesperson said.

He said, "This committee 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."