Chandigarh (Balwinder Singh): Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Wednesday said that technology should be considered a real innovation in agriculture only when it helps farmers reduce costs, save labour and increase returns from their crops.
Speaking at the concluding session of the fifth CII Innovative Farmers Meet in Ladwa, Kurukshetra, Saini said agricultural technology must be affordable, easy to operate and repairable locally so that farmers can use it without facing additional financial burdens.
The Chief Minister also inaugurated and inspected an exhibition of agricultural machinery and interacted with progressive farmers during the event.
CM Nayab Singh Saini Highlights Technology For Water And Soil Conservation
Saini said farmers are facing challenges including unpredictable weather, declining water availability and deteriorating soil health. He stressed the need for farming practices that can withstand changing conditions while improving farmers’ incomes.
He highlighted measures such as direct seeding of rice, micro-irrigation based on crop requirements and land levelling. He also urged farmers to get their soil tested and use fertilisers according to the specific requirements of their land.
The Chief Minister emphasised crop rotation, the use of organic matter and scientific advice to maintain soil fertility.
One Agricultural Machine Should Benefit Multiple Farmers
Saini said small farmers may not be able to individually purchase expensive agricultural machinery. He suggested greater use of farmer groups, cooperative societies and machinery rental centres so that a single machine can serve multiple farms.
He also encouraged rural youth to learn how to operate and repair agricultural machinery and provide farm-related services, saying this could reduce farmers’ expenses while creating employment opportunities in villages.
The Chief Minister also called for greater focus on crop diversification, including pulses, oilseeds, vegetables and fruits wherever local conditions permit.
He urged industries to support farmers by providing training on quality and food-safety standards and helping them connect with better markets.
Haryana Government Highlights Natural Farming And Solar Pumps
Saini said the Haryana government is working to promote natural farming, crop diversification, irrigation facilities and the use of technology in agriculture.
According to figures shared by the Chief Minister, around 2 lakh farmers have registered nearly 3 lakh acres on the portal launched to promote natural farming. Of this, 23,930 farmers covering 44,000 acres have been verified for adopting natural farming practices. During 2025-26, natural farming was undertaken on 20,727 acres in the state.
Saini also said farmers receive a 75% subsidy for installing solar pumps under the PM-KUSUM scheme. So far, around 1.95 lakh solar pumps have been installed, according to the figures shared at the event.
On stubble management, the government has provided an incentive of Rs 1,200 per acre for appropriate management and baling of crop residue. The Chief Minister said around 10 lakh farmers have received Rs 907 crore in subsidies so far.
Agriculture Minister Shyam Singh Rana Backs Direct Rice Seeding
Haryana Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shyam Singh Rana urged farmers to adopt direct seeding of rice, saying the method can help save water and reduce cultivation costs.
Rana said farmers could benefit by up to Rs 15,000 per acre, including around Rs 10,000 in cost savings and government assistance of Rs 4,000-5,000 per acre.
He said declining water resources and deterioration in soil and air quality underline the need for greater focus on conservation of natural resources and sustainable agriculture.
Former minister Subhash Sudha, CII Haryana chairman S aket Bhatia, other officials and a large number of farmers attended the event.
