Haryana CM seeks funds from Centre for natural farming, water security
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Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has requested an integrated funding package from the Union government to bolster natural farming and water security. This initiative aims to expand organic farming acreage while strengthening the state's vital role in national food security.
Haryana's Strategic Push for Sustainable Agriculture
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has formally requested an integrated funding package from the Union government aimed at bolstering natural farming and water security within the state. Speaking at the 'Financing India’s Journey Towards Viksit Bharat' conference held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, Saini emphasized that such financial support is essential for sustaining the state's pivotal role in India's agricultural landscape.
Scaling Organic and Natural Farming
Central to the Chief Minister's proposal is the aggressive expansion of sustainable agricultural practices. Haryana has set an ambitious target to bring 50,000 acres under natural and organic farming during the current fiscal year. This transition is not merely an environmental goal but a strategic move to optimize soil health and reduce dependency on chemical inputs, aligning with broader national objectives for a greener agricultural economy.
The Nexus of Water Security and Food Production
Water security remains a critical bottleneck for Haryana's agrarian economy. By seeking an integrated funding model, the state government aims to address the dual challenge of resource management and crop productivity. Given Haryana's massive contribution to the national foodgrain reserves and its status as a cornerstone of India’s self-reliance, ensuring stable water access is vital to preventing climate-induced volatility in food supply chains.
Strengthening the FPO Ecosystem
Beyond direct farming practices, the proposal highlights the importance of the Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) ecosystem. The Union government has already signaled a commitment to strengthening these collectives, which are essential for smallholder farmers to gain economies of scale. By integrating FPO support into the requested funding package, Haryana aims to empower farmers to secure better market access, credit facilities, and collective bargaining power.
Contextualizing 'Viksit Bharat'
The conference theme, 'Financing India’s Journey Towards Viksit Bharat', serves as the backdrop for these demands. As India strives toward the goal of a developed nation by 2047, the agricultural sector must undergo a transformation that balances high output with sustainable resource usage. Haryana’s request reflects a proactive approach to modernizing the state's agricultural infrastructure to meet these long-term national objectives.
Future Implications and Outlook
If the Union government approves this integrated funding package, it could serve as a blueprint for other states to follow. The combination of water conservation and natural farming, supported by robust FPO networks, addresses the systemic risks facing Indian agriculture. As the state moves toward its 50,000-acre target, the success of this initiative will likely depend on the synergy between state-level execution and central fiscal backing.
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