DW BUREAU / Chandigarh

Haryana's Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Kanwar Pal, attended a 'Krishi Kalyan Sammelan' in Yamunanagar today. Addressing the employees of the Agriculture and Horticulture Department, he announced the formation of the 'Haryana Agricultural Committee' on the lines of the Haryana Medical Council. This committee will streamline agricultural education and other related activities. This move by the government will also curb the use of pesticides in Haryana and provide relief to farmers from the increasing costs of agriculture.

He mentioned that although we currently have laboratories, they are not high-tech. Our aim is to establish such laboratories where soil, water, pesticides, and fertilizers can be tested for quality.

These laboratories will also be capable of testing the quality of agricultural products at a global standard. Similar to the Horticulture Department, the Agriculture Department will also start world-class Technical and Excellence Centres.

These centres will focus on crops such as sugarcane, cotton, oilseeds, maize, coarse grains, rice, and agricultural engineering, helping farmers produce high-quality seeds and products. He further stated that high-tech ADO/HDO offices will be established in the state, which will be referred to as Plant Clinics. These clinics will provide all necessary facilities to farmers close to their villages. The government aims to reach every farmer, ensuring that they do not need to go elsewhere for

agricultural services.

If a farmer feels that the pesticide they purchased is counterfeit or substandard, they will be able to get it tested. A significant issue for farmers is the need to purchase other products along with fertilizers. Delays in procuring fertilizers are also an issue. To address this, a helpline number will be issued in every block.

Farmers can report their issues on this number, and block agricultural officers will be responsible for resolving these problems.

He emphasized that before every season, agriculture development officers and block agriculture officers will verify the stock of seeds and fertilizers in their respective areas. This will ensure that farmers can easily obtain seeds and fertilizers during the season, and black marketing will be curbed.
(editor@dailyworld.in)