DW BUREAU / Chandigarh

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said on Sunday that farmers are the pride of the state and many of them have set an example by moving away from the traditional crop cycle and increasing production through innovation and modern techniques in fruit and vegetable cultivation and beekeeping. Saini also said his government is committed to increasing the income of farmers and that several schemes have been launched to serve their interests.

He was speaking as the chief guest at the closing ceremony of the three-day 11th Mega Vegetable Expo 2025 organised at the Indo-Israel Vegetable Excellence Centre in Karnal's Gharaunda, according to an official statement.

Saini announced the construction of a hostel and a seminar hall at the Indo-Israel Vegetable Excellence Centre and honoured 74 progressive farmers. The expo is an important platform for farmers to get information about agricultural techniques. At the three-day event, they got information on new farming techniques and modern equipment related to horticulture, vegetable production and beekeeping, the statement said.

Saini said keeping in mind the interests of farmers, the agriculture budget of Haryana has been increased by 19.2 per cent for 2025-26.

The budget for livestock has been increased by 50.91 per cent, that of horticulture by 95.5 per cent, fisheries by 144.4 per cent and cooperatives by 58.8 per cent. The government is trying to help farmers in every step of the farming process -- before and after sowing as well as after harvesting, the chief minister said. Following this principle, the government is providing many types of concessions and facilities, he added. The CM said to boost the horticulture sector, 140 fruit and vegetable collection and pack houses are being established at a cost of more than Rs 510 crore under the Horticulture Crop Cluster Development Programme.

A farmer producer organisation (FPO) is being formed with 300 farmer members in each cluster and an integrated pack house is also being established, he said, adding that a subsidy of 50 per cent to 85 per cent of the cost per acre is given on setting up fruit orchards.

A subsidy ranging from 50 per cent to 85 per cent is being given on the integrated model of vegetable farming and from 40 per cent to 85 per cent for mushroom farming, Saini said.

(editor@dailyworld.in)