Karnal (Balwinder Singh): Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Thursday announced a series of major welfare initiatives and structural expansions to promote innovation in the horticulture sector. Speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of a four-day National Conference at the Maharana Pratap Horticultural University, the Chief Minister detailed plans to significantly boost academic research and grassroots technical support for the state’s agrarian workforce.
During the national event, titled “Strategic Paradigm of Quality Seed and Planting Material for Horticultural Crops in Amrit Kaal,” the Chief Minister announced the introduction of advanced Master’s degree and Ph.D. programs at the university. These new curricula will focus on critical modern agricultural priorities, including post-harvest management, plant pest control, and disease mitigation. To further bridge the gap between scientific advancement and field application, the administration dedicated 14 specialized Horticulture Science Centres to the university, which will provide local farmers with high-quality planting material, technological solutions, and professional guidance.
The Chief Minister highlighted that India stands as the world’s second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables, generating over 360 million tonnes of output annually. He emphasized, however, that the sector continues to face substantial financial losses due to persistent deficiencies in product grading, quality control, and cold-chain infrastructure. To counteract these challenges, the state administration has outlined a comprehensive strategy to double Haryana’s total horticultural land area and triple its output by the year 2030. To safeguard farmer revenue, the Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana has established protective floor prices across 21 distinct horticultural crops.
The provincial government’s financial blueprints include bringing 1,000 acres under smart horticultural practices—such as aeroponics, vertical farming, hydroponics, and green-house cultivation—within the current fiscal cycle. The Chief Minister also announced the implementation of a dedicated Cold Chain Policy to stabilize prices and drive exports. To formalize distribution channels, rural markets will link directly to Producer Organisation packhouses, with the inaugural market scheduled to launch on Kisan Diwas on December 23, 2026. Furthermore, the Meri Fasal Mera Byora portal will now operate year-round to facilitate continuous crop registration, and a forthcoming Haryana Potato Seed Act will establish regulatory frameworks to guarantee the annual yield of 7.5 lakh quintals of certified tissue-culture potato seeds.
