Chandigarh: Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shyam Singh Rana has suggested providing farmers with subsidised sowing and harvesting machines to boost sugarcane production. Rana said this move could encourage farmers to shift from paddy to sugarcane cultivation.
Rana shared these suggestions during a virtual meeting on agriculture and horticulture chaired by Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Agriculture ministers from various states attended the meeting to discuss pre-budget proposals.
Rana recommended forming small clusters of 40 to 50 hectares to promote horticulture. He also proposed a scheme to fence orchards to prevent damage, with grants to support farmers. Additionally, he emphasized the need for markets dedicated to natural farming crops and the establishment of crop testing laboratories.
Highlighting Haryana’s role in the Green Revolution, Rana said the state aimed to lead in natural farming, which he described as the need of the hour. He expressed gratitude to the Union minister for approving the National Mission on Natural Farming, calling it a major step toward improving food quality.
Rana also addressed the issue of crop residue burning, which causes pollution. He pointed out that Haryana had significantly reduced farm fires by 40 per cent this year, with fewer than 700 cases reported.
