Chandigarh, March 7– Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatraya, in his address during the Budget session of the Vidhan Sabha, reiterated the Haryana government’s strong commitment to enhancing the economic well-being of farmers, ensuring agricultural profitability, and supporting their welfare. He highlighted various initiatives aimed at directly benefiting farmers and ensuring their financial security.

Rs. 1,25,000 crore has been transferred to the bank accounts of 12 lakh farmers

Governor said that over the last nine seasons, a total of Rs. 1,25,000 crore has been transferred to the bank accounts of 12 lakh farmers for the purchase of crops at Minimum Support Price (MSP) through the e-Kharid portal. This initiative is aimed at facilitating the procurement process and providing direct financial relief to the farming community. The Governor further emphasized the success of the ‘PM Kisan Samman Nidhi’ scheme, under which Rs. 6,563 crore has been disbursed to 20.24 lakh farmers in Haryana through 19 installments. This scheme has significantly helped farmers manage their smaller expenses. In addition, under the ‘Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana’, claims worth Rs. 8,732.76 crore have been paid to 34.57 lakh farmers. Over the past decade, farmers have also received compensation of Rs. 4,872 crore from the government treasury.

offering Rs. 2,000 per acre to provide relief during the sowing season of Kharif crops : Haryana Governor

The Governor also highlighted Haryana’s unique distinction as the only state in the country where all 24 crops are procured at MSP. In a significant policy move, the government has abolished the centuries-old practice of ‘Abiyana’, which had been in place since the British era. Recognizing the challenges posed by the delayed monsoon last year, Governor Sh Bandaru Dattatraya pointed out that the government has granted a bonus of Rs. 1,345 crore to farmers, offering Rs. 2,000 per acre to provide relief during the sowing season of Kharif crops. This bonus marks the first-ever instance of such financial assistance being provided during sowing.

state government is actively promoting the cultivation of fruits

Haryana Governor also shared the implementation of the Agricultural Land Lease Act, which was unanimously passed in the previous session of the Vidhan Sabha. This Act aims to address long-standing issues between landowners and farmers regarding land possession and compensation. Furthermore, farmer leaseholders who have been occupying Shamlat land for 20 years have now been granted ownership rights of that land. Governor said that the state government is actively promoting the cultivation of fruits and vegetables as an alternative to traditional crops, focusing on horticulture. As part of this initiative, Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the main campus of Maharana Pratap Horticulture University in Uchani. It is located in district Karnal. This event took place on December 9, 2024. This university will play a crucial role in advancing research and education based on future agricultural needs. He said that the government is also promoting organic farming and has registered approximately 24,000 farmers on the ‘Natural Farming Portal’. Currently, 9,910 farmers are practicing natural farming on 15,170 acres of land. Apart from this, the Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana is being implemented to protect horticultural farmers from market price fluctuations. The ‘Mukhyamantri Bagwani Bima Yojana’ covers 46 horticultural crops, offering compensation of Rs. 30,000 per acre for vegetable and spice crops, and upto Rs. 40,000 per acre for fruit crops. Under the ‘Mera Pani-Meri Virasat’ scheme, the government has provided financial assistance of Rs. 7,000 per acre to farmers for sowing alternative crops instead of paddy. To date, financial assistance amounting to Rs. 147.50 crore has been provided to 1,28,605 farmers under this scheme.