DW BUREAU / Chandigarh

Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatraya said the efforts should be made to raise awareness among farmers about the significance of the Prosopis cineraria (Khejri) tree.

The Governor on Saturday visited Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (CCSHAU) in Hisar and held a meeting with the officers of the Forest Department and university scientists.

During the meeting detailed discussions were held regarding various ways of raising awareness about the Khejri tree, also known as Janti among the farmers, initiating research on its various aspects and developing a framework and working on a long-term plan.

Nalwa MLA, Sh. Randhir Panihar, CCSHAU Vice-Chancellor Prof. B.R. Kamboj, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology Vice-Chancellor, Sh. Narsi Ram Bishnoi, officers of the Forest Department, and deans from various university departments attended the meeting.

On this occasion, the Governor highlighted the significance of the Khejri tree, stating that its benefits should be widely known. He stressed that farmers will only be encouraged to planting it once they understand its value.

He urged officers to encourage farmers to cultivate Khejri, as increased awareness will motivate them to take action. He directed the Forest Department to collaborate with social organizations and universities to spread awareness about this tree among farmers.

The Governor also directed the university administration to initiate research on the Khejri tree. He emphasized working on value addition and exploring ways to accelerate its growth compared to traditional timelines.

Regarding the production of Khejri, the Governor said that the first step is to educate farmers about the benefits of the tree and how they can generate income once it matures. He assured that a lab would be established soon.

(editor@dailyworld.in)