Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said Haryana’s culture and agriculture are deeply intertwined, and the state’s farmers contribute significantly to filling the nation’s granaries through their hard work and toil. Their efforts have earned Haryana a distinct identity in agriculture.
He said the Haryana Government is working extensively to address farmers’ concerns, ensure remunerative prices for their produce, expand irrigation facilities and promote water conservation, natural farming, soil health and crop diversification. The government endeavours to help farmers move beyond traditional cultivation and increase their incomes by adopting modern technology, new crops and agriculture-based industries.
The Chief Minister was addressing Krishi Sammelan at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. He said the dedication and hard work of Haryana’s farmers had not only made the state a leader in agriculture but also contributed substantially to the country’s foodgrain reserves.
He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision has consistently focused on strengthening farmers’ financial position. Under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, small and marginal farmers receive annual financial assistance of Rs 6,000. This helps them meet essential expenses such as seeds, fertilisers and crop protection chemicals, reducing their dependence on others for routine needs.
The Chief Minister said the Prime Minister’s vision is to reduce the burden of cultivation costs on farmers and ensure fair prices for their produce. In pursuit of this objective, the Central and Haryana governments are jointly implementing several schemes for farmers’ welfare.
*Sustained Efforts to Strengthen Irrigation*
Nayab Singh Saini said Haryana is making sustained efforts to strengthen irrigation in response to Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi’s call. Work is underway on approximately 2,000 ponds under the Amrit Sarovar scheme. New ponds are being constructed, and existing ones rejuvenated to conserve rainwater and improve groundwater levels.
He said the government is also giving special attention to the repair, rehabilitation and strengthening of canals and drains to prevent water wastage and maximise the use of available water for agriculture.
The Chief Minister said a plan is being developed to create clusters of 100, 200 and 500 acres to provide better irrigation facilities. Large water storage reservoirs will be constructed in these clusters, with capacity to meet irrigation requirements for approximately one month. Solar-powered pumps will supply water from these reservoirs to fields through sprinkler irrigation systems, helping irrigate a larger area with less water and improve yields.
*Renukaji, Kishau and Lakhwar Dams to Provide Additional Water to Haryana*
Nayab Singh Saini said an agreement on the Renukaji, Kishau and Lakhwar dam projects had been reached among five states under the leadership of Union Home Minister Sh. Amit Shah. Water from these projects will be available to Haryana as well as Delhi, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
He said the projects would help strengthen water availability in the future. The government is working towards better management of natural water resources to ensure that future generations do not face water shortages.
*Guaranteed Procurement at MSP in Haryana*
The Chief Minister said Haryana is the first state in the country to guarantee procurement of all crops at the minimum support prices (MSP) fixed by the Prime Minister. The state government remains committed to procuring farmers’ produce at MSP, with the aim of encouraging crop diversification and reducing dependence on water-intensive crops such as paddy.
He said special efforts are being made to promote natural farming. An agreement has been reached with farmers in Morni block to arrange procurement directly from the farm of produce grown through natural methods without chemical fertilisers or pesticides.
The Chief Minister said farmers’ interest in natural farming is steadily increasing. More than 40 lakh farmers have registered approximately 1.5 lakh hectares on the portal for natural farming. At present, natural farming is being practised on around 45,000 hectares.
He said arrangements are also being made to lease cultivable panchayat land and land belonging to the Agriculture Department to farmers for 10 years for natural farming. In addition, the Haryana State Cooperative Supply and Marketing Federation (HAFED) has been entrusted with procuring naturally grown foodgrains in mandis. The produce will undergo laboratory testing before procurement.
The Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana has also been implemented to help horticulture farmers secure fair market prices and provide financial protection against losses.
*Soil Testing to Improve Soil Quality*
Nayab Singh Saini said maintaining soil fertility and reducing excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides are among the government’s priorities. Soil from farmers’ fields is being tested through soil testing laboratories at the district and block levels.
He said soil testing covering the land of approximately 40 lakh to 45 lakh farmers helps determine the quantities of fertilisers and pesticides required in their fields. A special 2,000-acre cluster has also been announced in Kurukshetra to promote natural farming.
*Sant Namdev Ji’s Teachings Promote Humanity, Equality and Respect for Labour: Arti Singh Rao*
*Government Committed to Providing Education, Reservation and Employment Opportunities to OBC Community*
Haryana Health Minister Arti Singh Rao said that the teachings of Sant Shiromani Namdev Ji Maharaj continue to inspire society with the values of brotherhood, love, equality, humanity and respect for labour. Saints and great personalities do not belong to any particular caste or community but guide the entire society. She said that embracing their teachings in everyday life is essential for building a better society and a stronger nation. The State Government is committed to providing education, reservation and employment opportunities to the OBC community and is continuously working for its welfare and development.
The Health Minister said this today on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Sant Namdev Ji Maharaj.
She said that through his teachings and life, Sant Namdev Ji conveyed the message of devotion, service to humanity and respect for every individual who earns a living through hard work. His hymns are also included in the Shri Guru Granth Sahib. She added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country is moving towards the goal of Viksit Bharat-2047. The Haryana Government, too, is working for the welfare of all sections of society and good governance, guided by the spirit of Antyodaya.
Arti Singh Rao said that the Central and Haryana Governments are consistently working to empower backward classes. Steps such as granting constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes and providing OBC reservation in Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, Sainik Schools and medical education have created greater opportunities for the community. In Haryana, the income limit for the creamy layer among backward classes has been increased from Rs. 6 lakh to Rs. 8 lakh. Along with ensuring representation for the BC-A category in local bodies, a provision has also been made for 27 per cent reservation in government jobs.
She further said that the Government is also working to provide opportunities to Agniveers in government services and economically empower women. Referring to the budgetary provisions for women’s welfare and the scheme providing LPG cylinders to eligible families at Rs. 500, she said that the objective of welfare schemes is to provide relief and support to the common people.
*Haryana Strengthens Employee Welfare with Higher Pay, Enhanced Insurance Cover and Support for Families*
*Rural Safai Karamcharis’ pay raised to Rs 18,100; maximum death-cum-retirement gratuity increased to Rs 25 lakh*
The Haryana Government has introduced several major welfare measures for state employees and Safai Karamcharis, including pay increases, enhanced insurance cover and additional financial support for their families.
Sharing more details, a spokesperson said the government remains fully committed to protecting employees’ interests and improving their standard of living under its vision of Non-Stop Haryana — Samarth Karmachari, Sashakt Pradesh. As part of these efforts, the pay of rural Safai Karamcharis was first increased from Rs 15,000 to Rs 16,000 and subsequently raised to Rs 18,100.
The spokesperson said the government has also significantly strengthened employees’ financial protection and insurance coverage. Insurance cover for partial disability has been increased tenfold, from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 50 lakh, while personal accident insurance cover for permanent employees has been raised from Rs 30 lakh to Rs 50 lakh. Permanent term insurance cover for permanent employees has also been doubled from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 4 lakh. The maximum limit of death-cum-retirement gratuity has been increased from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 25 lakh.
To provide financial security to families, a new ex gratia scheme has been introduced, providing for appointment on compassionate grounds to a dependent of a government employee who dies before the age of 52. In addition, an ex gratia payment of Rs 3 lakh has been provided for the families of employees engaged on an ad hoc, contractual or DC-rate basis who die while in service.
With particular emphasis on the rights of women employees, those engaged under the outsourcing policy have been extended maternity leave benefits on a par with regular women employees. A special childcare allowance of Rs 1,500 per month per child has also been provided for women employees with disabilities.
These measures reinforce the government’s commitment to empowering employees across all categories in the state.
