Rewari, June 30 (IANS) Saying that many states across the country can learn from Haryana’s agricultural initiatives, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday advocated promoting sustainable and profitable farming.

He was in Rewari to attend the concluding ceremony of the ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ alongside Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini.

At the programme, the duo inaugurated an agricultural industrial exhibition showcasing the latest innovations in agriculture and launched the Haryana FPO Mission — 2026.

The event reaffirmed the commitment to accelerate efforts to conserve soil health, promote the balanced and scientific use of fertilisers, preserve natural resources, advance modern agricultural technologies, and increase farmers’ incomes through public participation.

Addressing the gathering, Union Minister Chouhan said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is moving rapidly towards becoming a developed nation. However, he emphasised that a developed India cannot be built without advanced agriculture and prosperous farmers.

He said farmers are the backbone of the country’s economy and their prosperity forms the foundation of India’s overall progress.

The Central government, he added, is continuously working to make agriculture more profitable, modern, and sustainable. He expressed confidence that with scientific farming, modern technologies, and active participation of farmers, India will emerge as an even stronger global agricultural power.

He said Haryana has presented an inspiring model of agricultural development for the entire country. He noted that Haryana is among the leading states providing minimum support price (MSP) on 24 crops. Schemes such as Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana, Meri Fasal-Mera Byora, and Mera Pani-Meri Virasat have significantly increased farmers’ incomes and conserved natural resources.

The Union Minister said Haryana is not only a leading contributor to the nation’s foodgrain reserves but also a strong centre of agricultural transformation.

“There was a time when India had to import foodgrains from abroad, but today, thanks to the hard work of farmers in states like Haryana, the country has become self-reliant in food grain production.”

He said Haryana’s farmers play a crucial role in ensuring food security for the nation’s 1.4 billion citizens. The state’s youth are equally distinguished in defending the country’s borders and bringing laurels in sports. Haryana, he said, is an inspiration for the nation in agriculture, military tradition, and sporting excellence.

The Union Agriculture Minister urged farmers to use fertilisers only in balanced quantities, as required. He said excessive use of chemical fertilisers such as urea and DAP is adversely affecting soil fertility, disturbing nutrient balance, and causing environmental damage.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Saini said despite accounting for only 1.3 per cent of India’s geographical area, Haryana has established a unique identity in agriculture.

He said Haryana is the second-largest contributor to the Central foodgrain pool, reflecting the hard work, dedication, and commitment of its farmers.

The Chief Minister described Haryana as a strong pillar of the nation’s food security. He said the state government is continuously working to increase farmers’ incomes, maintain soil fertility, and promote sustainable agriculture so that Haryana continues to play a leading role as the nation’s food bowl in the future.

–IANS

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