DW BUREAU / Chandigarh

Haryana Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Shyam Singh Rana said the aim of the state government is to increase the income of farmers and make agriculture a profitable business.

The minister was speaking at a programme of a private channel today. The Agriculture Minister said special efforts are being made to promote natural farming and make barren land fertile. Under this, shrimp farming is also being encouraged.

He said natural farming, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPO), agricultural mechanization and agro tourism are being promoted to increase the income of farmers. To encourage natural farming, the government is planning to give better support price to its products. Farmers are being linked to FPOs to get more value for their products. Availability of modern agricultural equipment is being ensured and agro tourism will also be promoted.

The minister said farmers are being encouraged to move away from traditional farming and practice diversification. Sh. Shyam Singh Rana said an incentive of Rs 25,000 is being given for purchasing a native cow on adopting natural farming, which will soon be increased to Rs 30,000.

Four natural farming training centers have been started in Haryana at Gurukul (Kurukshetra), Gharaunda (Karnal), Jind and Mangiana (Sirsa).

(editor@dailyworld.in)