Chandigarh (Balwinder Singh): Haryana is rapidly establishing itself among the leading states in India for white button mushroom production as part of an overarching initiative to boost farmer incomes and modernize agricultural infrastructure. State Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shyam Singh Rana announced that the government is providing subsidies ranging between 40 and 50 per cent to encourage farmers to set up mushroom cultivation units. Furthermore, to support the socio-economic advancement of Scheduled Caste farmers, special targeted schemes have been introduced, offering subsidies of up to 85 per cent for various horticultural undertakings.
To further expand and modernize the sector, the state government is drafting a comprehensive new Horticulture Policy that will soon be rolled out across Haryana. Under this framework, the state aims to aggressively promote smart horticultural techniques—including protected cultivation, aeroponics, hydroponics, greenhouses, and vertical farming—with a target of bringing nearly 1,000 acres under these advanced systems across all districts within the current year.
In a structural shift aimed at delivering better institutional assistance, the state is reorganizing the department to rename it the Department of Horticulture and Marketing. This restructuring will streamline support for farmers spanning from initial crop production to value addition and market distribution. In addition, registration for horticultural crops on the ‘Meri Fasal Mera Byora’ portal will remain open year-round for the 2026–27 period to simplify crop reporting for growers.
To address storage logistics, maintain price stability, and drive international exports, the government is also set to implement a dedicated Cold Chain Policy. Through these combined initiatives and structural reforms, Haryana aims to build a modern, sustainable, and highly profitable agricultural ecosystem for its farming community.
