DW BUREAU / Chandigarh

The State Level Sanctioning Committee of 'Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana' (RKVY) and 'Krishonnati Yojana', chaired by Chief Secretary, Sh. T.V.S.N. Prasad, has approved the Annual Action Plan (AAP) for the fiscal year 2024-25.

The plan allocates Rs. 1198.27 crore to advance agricultural productivity, support sustainable farming practices, and enhance farmer livelihoods through strategic investments in infrastructure and value addition. The RKVY Cafeteria scheme's total action plan amounts to Rs.995.50 crore, while the 'Krishonnati Yojana' action plan is Rs.203.27 crore.

While presiding over the State Level Sanctioning Committee meeting for the 'Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana' (RKVY) Scheme and 'Krishonnati Yojana', the Chief Secretary emphasised the urgent need for water conservation and promoting micro-irrigation initiatives.

He highlighted the role of Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, and the Irrigation Department in jointly taking concrete steps to promote micro-irrigation on a large scale.

Prasad also suggested adopting a micro-irrigation system on 1,000 acres of land at the university to provide a practical demonstration for farmers.The Irrigation and Water Resources Department has set a target to bring 1 lakh acres under micro-irrigation.

Prasad stressed the need to transfer agricultural research from laboratories to the field to benefit farmers effectively and promptly. Demonstration plots showcasing technologies should be established in locations accessible to the maximum number of farmers.

Prasad advocated for encouraging college and university students to start food and soil testing laboratories. Public awareness about testing food products, fruits, and vegetables should also be increased.

Prasad addressed the issue of pink bollworm infestation in cotton-growing areas, attributing it to agricultural waste. He urged CCSHAU to adopt villages and train farmers to combat this pest. Continuous monitoring of preventive measures is essential to eradicate this disease.

It was informed in the meeting that the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has developed an app for soil testing, enabling farmers to receive soil test reports directly on their mobile phones.

Under the RKVY Cafeteria scheme, the committee has approved seven projects amounting to Rs. 3,662.30 lakh for the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department. CCS HAU, Hisar, will undertake 15 projects with a total allocation of Rs.1,286.86 lakh. Maharana Pratap Horticulture University (MHU), Karnal, has received approval for one project worth Rs.240.00 lakh. The Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research (IIWBR), Karnal, will carry out two projects totaling Rs.673.50 lakh.

The Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Karnal, has been allocated Rs.120.00 lakh for one project. Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, ICAR, Karnal, will implement one project worth Rs. 342.00 lakh. IARI, Karnal, has two projects with a combined budget of Rs. 1,150.00 lakh.

Lastly, the Central Institute for Cotton Research, Regional Station, Sirsa (CICR) Sirsa, has received Rs.70.00 lakh for one project. In total, 30 projects amounting to Rs. 7,544.66 lakh have been sanctioned.

Besides, the committee also approved projects under the Annual Action Plan based schemes merged under the RKVY Cafeteria scheme for 2024-25. The approved schemes and their respective costs in lakhs are as follows: SMAM with Rs. 6713.00 lakh, CRM with Rs. 26818.21 lakh, Soil Health Card and Fertility with Rs. 1892.10 lakh, Crop Diversification Programme with Rs. 3718.00 lakh, Parampragat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) with Rs. 967.96 lakh, and Per Drop More Crops with Rs. 51897.34 lakh.
(editor@dailyworld.in)