Fruit Production, Natural Farming and Cluster-Based Model to Boost Farmers’ Income- Chief Minister

Special Focus on Reclamation of Waterlogged and Saline Land, Bio-Drainage and Organic Laboratory

New Hybrid Varieties, Tissue Culture and Pesticide Testing System to be Strengthened

Chandigarh, April 1 – Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, while chairing a review meeting of the officers of the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments on Tuesday, laid special emphasis on crop diversification, horticulture and expansion of high-value fruit crops to enhance farmers’ income. He directed that cluster-based farming models be developed in the state in accordance with soil and climatic conditions to ensure higher productivity and better returns to farmers in a shorter time.

Fruit Crop Clusters and High-Value Farming

The Chief Minister said that, alongside traditional crops, fruit cultivation should be promoted on a large scale. He directed officers concerned to identify suitable areas and develop clusters for key fruit crops such as strawberry, lemon, guava and dragon fruit. Acknowledging the growing market demand and remunerative prices of these fruits, he stressed linking farmers with production, availability of planting material, processing and marketing to ensure a significant increase in their income.

He further directed promotion of tissue culture-based production of crops such as arhar, soybean, groundnut, pulses, fruit crops and sugarcane. He said that the agricultural and horticultural potential of each district should be scientifically assessed. The government’s objective, he added, is to connect farmers with multi-cropping, multi-product and high-value farming systems to create sustainable income opportunities.

Promotion of New Hybrid Varieties and Research

The Chief Minister directed that new hybrid and high-yielding varieties of cotton (narma), mustard, arhar, soybean, groundnut and pulses be developed. He also called for promoting research on seeds and planting materials that can withstand hailstorms, climate change and adverse weather conditions.

He said that land available with agricultural universities, colleges and at the panchayat level should be identified for research and trials so that new varieties and technologies can be tested under local conditions and quickly disseminated among farmers. He also directed that students and research institutions be actively involved to accelerate innovation.

The Chief Minister further directed the officers concerned to study successful hybrid varieties, fruit plants and modern technologies developed in universities of other states and adapt them to Haryana’s conditions to ensure availability of quality seeds and planting material to farmers.

Reclamation of Waterlogged and Saline Land; Bio-Drainage

For the financial year 2026–27, the state government has set a target to reclaim 140,000 acres of waterlogged and saline land. To make this campaign more effective, the Chief Minister directed large-scale plantation of eucalyptus (safeda) trees under bio-drainage along field bunds, canal banks and drains to naturally reduce excess water in waterlogged areas. He said that eucalyptus trees, owing to their deep roots and high water absorption capacity, are highly effective in reclaiming such lands.

Natural Farming to be Promoted as a Mission

The Chief Minister directed officers to identify clusters to promote natural farming across the state. Farmers in these clusters should be provided with jeevamrit, organic solutions, drums and other necessary resources, along with practical training. He said that the natural farming model being implemented by Acharya Devvrat at Gurukul Kurukshetra should be adopted as a base for wider implementation, enabling more farmers to take up low-cost and sustainable farming.

He also directed that if productivity declines during the initial phase of adopting natural farming in any Cluster, the government should compensate farmers for their losses. Financial assistance and technical guidance should be extended to strengthen farmers’ confidence so that natural farming can be scaled up as a mass movement.

Pesticide Testing and State-of-the-Art Organic Laboratory

The Chief Minister directed that regular testing of crops, fruits, vegetables and other agricultural produce for pesticides and residues be ensured in laboratories. Chemicals that are harmful to health and increase the risk of serious diseases such as cancer should be immediately prohibited. Samples should be sent regularly for testing, and strict action must be taken against violators.

He further directed the establishment of a state-of-the-art organic laboratory for regular testing of organic products and related samples. Scientific testing of soil, water, organic manure, crops and other components should be ensured in this laboratory to effectively monitor the quality, purity and standards of organic farming.

Chief Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Sh. Rajesh Khullar, Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department, Sh. Vijayendra Kumar, Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Dr. Saket Kumar, Director General, Agriculture Department, Rajnarayan Kaushik, OSD to Chief Minister, Sh. Virender Badhkhalsa and other senior officers also remained present during the meeting.

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Haryana Implementing Transparent and Efficient Farmer-Centric Schemes: Shyam Singh Rana

Farmer IDs have been created for 7,33,083 farmers in the state so far

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan praises Haryana Government; calls ‘Meri Fasal Mera Byora’ an exemplary initiative

Chandigarh, April 1 – Haryana’s Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Sh. Shyam Singh Rana said that continuous efforts are being made to ensure transparency and effectiveness in schemes related to farmers in the state. In Haryana, there are a total of 20,82,596 beneficiaries under the PM-Kisan scheme, out of which 16,33,297 farmers have active accounts. So far, Farmer IDs have been created for 7,33,083 farmers, which is approximately 45 percent of the total work.

Shyam Singh Rana stated this today while participating via video conference from Chandigarh in a meeting organized by Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan with agriculture ministers of various states regarding Farmer ID and fertilizers.

He said that through the ‘Meri Fasal Mera Byora’ portal, a complete record of farmers in the state has already been prepared. The portal contains details such as whether the land is owned or leased and which crop has been sown in the field.

Fertilizers are provided to farmers according to their crops

He further informed that the supply of fertilizers has now also been linked to this portal. Under this system, farmers are provided fertilizers based on the crops they cultivate, ensuring that the correct quantity is supplied as per requirement. Earlier, fertilizers were distributed based on Aadhaar cards, which did not ensure proper utilization. Now, fertilizers are provided only to those farmers who own land, thereby preventing misuse.

Haryana saves over ₹500 crore in central fertilizer subsidy

Shyam Singh Rana stated that this new system has promoted the proper use of fertilizers and reduced unnecessary consumption. He added that if a complete prior record of crops and their fertilizer requirements is developed in the future, fertilizer management can be further improved. He also mentioned that Haryana has saved more than ₹500 crore in the central government’s fertilizer subsidy this time, reflecting the success of this system.

He said that the state government will soon launch an awareness campaign for the welfare of farmers. Scientists from universities, ICAR, and officials from various departments will visit villages to provide information about agricultural schemes and the latest technologies in farming, helping to increase farmers’ income.

Union Minister congratulates Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister

On this occasion, Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan appreciated the Haryana government, stating that ‘Meri Fasal Mera Byora’ is an exemplary initiative. It paves the way for balanced use of fertilizers and conservation of government resources. He congratulated Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and Agriculture Minister Shyam Singh Rana for this initiative and expressed hope that this model could be implemented across the country.

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Haryana Records Highest State GST Growth Among All States in FY 2025–26

Chandigarh, April 1 – The state of Haryana has recorded the highest growth in SGST (State GST) collection among all states in the financial year 2025–26.

According to a report released today by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), Haryana recorded a post-settlement SGST collection of Rs.48,289 crore in FY 2025–26, reflecting a growth of 21.5 percent compared to Rs. 39,743 crore in FY 2024–25. This growth is significantly higher than the national average of 5.7 percent, highlighting Haryana’s strong performance in tax collection.

Sharing more details, an official spokesperson informed that Haryana’s total GST collection increased by 8.6 percent in FY 2025–26, which is higher than the national domestic GST growth rate of 6.4 percent. With this performance, Haryana ranked 5th among all states and Union Territories in terms of gross domestic GST collection.

The Government has attributed the strong growth in GST collections to vibrant economic activity in the state, expansion of the taxpayer base, and improved compliance through analytics-driven monitoring. The State Government’s continued focus on strengthening tax administration and leveraging technology has further contributed to this robust performance.

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Haryana Government committed to procuring every grain of farmers’ produce- Dr. Amit Agrawal

Re-registration window for ‘Meri Fasal Mera Byora’ portal to reopen soon

Farmers, Arthiyas express satisfaction over procurement arrangements

Chandigarh, April 1 — Reaffirming the state government’s strong commitment towards farmers, Commissioner and Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department, Haryana, Dr. Amit Agrawal said that the government will ensure procurement of every single grain of farmers’ produce.

Dr. Amit Agrawal, along with Faridabad Deputy Commissioner, Sh. Ayush Sinha visited the Mohana grain market on Wednesday to review procurement arrangements and on-ground facilities. During the visit, he interacted with farmers, Arthiyas and other stakeholders to gather feedback on mandi-related issues and issued on-the-spot directions for their immediate resolution.

He said, Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini has given clear instructions to ensure seamless procurement, with payments for wheat being directly transferred to farmers’ bank accounts. He reiterated that the government is committed to ensuring that not even a single grain of produce remains unprocured. Highlighting transparency measures, he added that the ‘Meri Fasal Mera Byora’ portal enables farmers to register and track their produce. Farmers who could not register earlier due to any reason will soon be given another opportunity as the portal is set to reopen.

Focus on farmer welfare continues

Dr. Amit Agrawal said the Haryana government has consistently played a proactive role in safeguarding farmers’ interests over the past decade. He said that the state’s policies have significantly contributed to transforming ‘annadata’ into ‘entrepreneurs’. He added that farmers in Haryana are receiving greater benefits compared to those in neighbouring states, and emphasized that public welfare remains the government’s sole objective.

He further said that the government is fully focused on addressing the concerns and suggestions of farmers and other stakeholders associated with agriculture. Assuring them, he said that issues faced during the previous procurement season will not be repeated this time. Officers have been directed to ensure smooth procurement, lifting and storage operations, along with adequate basic facilities in mandis.

To strengthen mandi infrastructure, facilities such as electronic weighing systems, farmer service centres and Atal Kisan Canteens have been introduced. These canteens are providing meals at a nominal cost of Rs. 10, offering significant relief to farmers and labourers.

Notably, farmers and Arthiyas expressed satisfaction with the procurement process and appreciated the government’s efforts.

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Haryana Strengthens Public Healthcare Delivery: ACS Health Dr. Sumita Misra Chairs Statewide Review, Issues Comprehensive Reform Directions

Haryana Cracks Down on Health System Gaps: Weekly Stock Updates, 24×7 Labs, Jan Aushadhi in All Sub-Divisions, Zero Tolerance for Lapses

Chandigarh, April 1 - In a comprehensive push to strengthen public healthcare delivery, Additional Chief Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Sumita Misra has initiated a series of reforms aimed at improving efficiency, accountability, and patient services across Haryana.

Chairing a state-wide review meeting with Civil Surgeons and senior Health Department officials, Dr. Misra laid out a clear roadmap focusing on better drug management, enhanced diagnostics, and improved hospital functioning. She emphasised that it is the responsibility of Civil Surgeons to ensure that medicine stock data is updated every Monday and that availability of essential medicines is maintained at all health facilities without interruption.

At the core of the reform agenda is strengthening the drug supply chain through real-time monitoring and accountability. Dr. Misra directed all districts to ensure the uninterrupted availability of medicines strictly as per the Essential Drugs List (EDL), supported by accurate and timely data entry on digital platforms.

She flagged issues such as inconsistent consumption data, mismatch between physical stock and portal records, and delays in data updation, which affect forecasting and procurement. To address this, districts have been directed to carry out regular stock reconciliation, system validation checks, and monthly physical verification of inventory. She further directed the Civil Surgeons to randomly check the prevailing stock on a regular basis in order to avoid any inconvenience to the public. Districts have also been directed to maintain buffer stocks of essential medicines in view of potential global supply disruptions. She directed to issue SOP in this regard.

Highlighting gaps in supervision, Dr. Misra instructed Civil Surgeons to conduct weekly monitoring and establish district-level review systems to ensure accountability at every level. She clarified that Civil Surgeons will be responsible for overall supervision and compliance, pharmacists for timely data entry and stock verification, and medical officers for rational drug use and adherence to the Essential Drugs List. She stressed that all records related to indenting, receiving, and consumption of medicines must be updated regularly to enable real-time monitoring and informed decision-making.

The meeting also reviewed the expansion of free diagnostic services across district hospitals, sub-divisional hospitals, community health centres, and primary health centres. With integrated public health laboratories functioning in districts, citizens are increasingly getting access to affordable and timely diagnostic services. Dr. Misra directed that round-the-clock laboratory services be ensured at district hospitals and further directed officers to make necessary arrangements at the administration level to operationalize the Jan Aushadhi Kendras in all sub-divisions of the state to enhance access to affordable medicines.

Giving momentum to infrastructure development, she instructed that hospital upgradation works be fast-tracked while ensuring strict adherence to sanitation and hygiene protocols. Civil Surgeons have been made directly accountable for maintaining cleanliness standards in healthcare facilities.

The review also covered progress under the 100-day TB elimination campaign, with directions for intensified efforts and time-bound action plans. Civil Surgeons were also directed to closely monitor sex ratio trends and sustain recent improvements, with strict enforcement of PNDT provisions reiterated as a non-negotiable priority across all districts. Dr. Misra made it clear that officers will be held personally responsible for the implementation of all directives and reiterated that no laxity in monitoring, data management, or service delivery will be tolerated.

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Mukhyamantri Tirth Yatra Yojana: Senior Citizens Can Register on SARAL Portal Till April 15 for Free Travel to Sri Hazur Sahib, Nanded

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini to Flag Off Special Train from Kurukshetra on May 5

Chandigarh, April 1 — Under the Haryana Government’s Mukhyamantri Tirth Yatra Yojana, a special train will depart from Kurukshetra to Sri Hazur Sahib, Nanded, Maharashtra, on May 5. Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini will flag off this train with pilgrims from various districts of the state.

A government spokesperson informed that senior citizens aged above 60 years, whose annual family income is less than ₹1.80 lakh, can avail the benefits of this scheme. For this, registration can be done on the SARAL Haryana portal till April 15. Eligible individuals can register for this free travel either through their nearest CSC centre or from home using their smartphones.

Eligibility Criteria for the Scheme

The spokesperson clarified that certain mandatory documents are required to apply under this scheme. These include a valid photo identity proof (such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, or any other government ID), Family Identity Card (PPP), a self-declaration of being physically fit for travel, and a declaration stating that the applicant has not availed the scheme in the last three years.

The applicant must be a resident of Haryana and must possess a Family Identity Card (PPP).

Additional Provisions

The spokesperson further stated that senior citizens are allowed to take one attendant along with them at full payment. Individuals aged between 18 and 60 years or those with an annual income above ₹1.80 lakh can also avail of this travel on full payment.

As per the scheme rules, a person can avail of this facility only once every three years. The scheme will operate on a “first-come, first-served” basis, and having a Family Identity Card is mandatory for application.

Under this scheme, the government will make complete arrangements for passengers’ accommodation, food, and local transportation.

Post-Registration Requirement

The spokesperson informed that after registration, applicants must inform the District Information and Public Relations Officer (DIPRO) office in their respective district. This is necessary to ensure that the list of eligible persons is sent to the Railways on time. Registered individuals must provide this information to the DIPRO office before April 16.

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Government to Establish ‘Haryana Green Climate Resilient Fund’ with a Seed Provision of ₹100 Crore: Rao Narbir Singh

Major Step Towards Making Haryana Climate-Resilient

Chandigarh, April 1 — Haryana’s Forest and Environment Minister, Rao Narbir Singh, stated that the state government is taking a major and visionary step towards making Haryana climate-resilient. In the Budget Address for the year 2026–27, Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini has proposed the establishment of the “Haryana Green Climate Resilient Fund” with a seed provision of ₹100 crore.

He said that this fund will promote investments in sectors such as zero-emission vehicles, renewable energy, energy efficiency, water conservation, urban greening, climate-resilient agriculture, and nature-based solutions. Its objective is to balance air and water pollution at the national level and align Haryana with the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, making the state clean, green, and environmentally balanced.

Rao Narbir Singh further said that the government is not only working at the policy level but is also taking concrete steps on the ground to address pollution-related issues. In this context, the issue of polluted water flowing from the Dharuhera area of Rajasthan into the Masani Barrage in Rewari district has been taken seriously, as it is adversely affecting the fertile agricultural land of 16 to 17 nearby villages.

He explained that due to the high presence of chemical waste in this water, the quality of the soil is being negatively impacted. To find a permanent solution to this problem, the Irrigation Department has been directed to prepare a comprehensive and practical plan.

He clarified that the water flow into the Masani Barrage is natural and cannot be completely stopped. Therefore, under a comprehensive solution, a project connected to National Highway-48 will be developed, with an estimated cost of ₹150 crore. In this project, the National Highways Authority of India will contribute ₹100 crore, while the governments of Haryana and Rajasthan will contribute ₹25 crore each.

Additionally, the state government is working towards launching a special mission to make the 313-kilometer stretch of the Yamuna River pollution-free. This mission will be conducted under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini and will include key measures such as increasing sewage treatment capacity, stopping uncontrolled waste discharge, real-time monitoring of industrial units, protection of riverbanks, development of green belts, and groundwater recharge.

He stated that during the year 2026–27, scientific treatment of water from all drains flowing into the Yamuna will be ensured, so that the river can be made clean and pollution-free.

Rao Narbir Singh expressed confidence that these initiatives will provide a new direction to environmental conservation in Haryana and help the state move rapidly towards sustainable and green development.

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Haryana Government fully committed to procure farmers' produce at MSP

MSP of sunflower seed for the current year is Rs 7721 per quintal

Chandigarh, April 1 – HAFED has termed a news item published in a leading National Hindi daily on 01.04.2026, regarding the wrong Minimum Support Price (MSP) of sunflower seed mentioned in the instructions regarding procurement issued by HAFED as incorrect, misleading and far away from facts.

While stating this here today, a spokesperson of HAFED clarified that procurement instructions were initially issued by HAFED vide letter dated 19.03.2026, wherein the MSP of all crops was correctly mentioned. However, due to an inadvertent clerical error, the MSP of sunflower seed was mistakenly mentioned as Rs 6540 per quintal instead of the MSP for the current year. The said error was subsequently noticed and rectified. Revised instructions, substituting the earlier instructions, were already issued on 29.03.2026 itself, wherein the correct MSP of sunflower seed for the current year, i.e. Rs 7721 per quintal, was duly incorporated. The revised instructions were promptly communicated to all concerned.

It is pertinent to highlight that the news report has referred only to the initial instructions and has completely ignored the revised instructions already issued, thereby presenting an incomplete and misleading picture.

Further, the news item has attributed certain statement to the District Manager, HAFED, Kurukshetra. In this regard, it is clarified that no reporter contacted the concerned District Manager, and the statement attributed to him is incorrect and unauthorized. Such reporting has not only caused reputational harm to HAFED but may also create unwarranted confusion among farmers.

It is also reiterated that the MSP of all crops is fixed by the Government of India, and procurement in Haryana is undertaken strictly at the notified MSP by the State procurement agencies, including HAFED. The State Government remains fully committed to ensuring procurement of farmers’ produce at MSP.

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Chandigarh Administration Seeks Panel of HCS Officers for Deputation

Chandigarh, April 1 — The Haryana Government has invited consent from Haryana Civil Service (Executive Branch) officers who are willing to serve on deputation in the Chandigarh Administration.

A letter in this regard has been issued by Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi.

According to the letter, the Chandigarh Administration has requested the Haryana Government to send a panel of HCS (Executive Branch) officers who have a minimum of five years of service seniority and are willing to work on deputation in the Chandigarh Administration.

In this connection, the state government is required to prepare a panel of three HCS officers with appropriate seniority. For this purpose, the concerned officers have been asked to submit their consent.

Interested officers can send their consent to the department via email at supservices2.cso@hry.gov.in within 10 working days from the date of issuance of the letter.

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Mukhyamantri Tirth Yatra Yojana: Senior Citizens Can Register on SARAL Portal Till April 15 for Free Travel to Sri Hazur Sahib, Nanded

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini to Flag Off Special Train from Kurukshetra on May 5

Chandigarh, April 1 — Under the Haryana Government’s Mukhyamantri Tirth Yatra Yojana, a special train will depart from Kurukshetra to Sri Hazur Sahib, Nanded, Maharashtra, on May 5. Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini will flag off this train with pilgrims from various districts of the state.

A government spokesperson informed that senior citizens aged above 60 years, whose annual family income is less than ₹1.80 lakh, can avail the benefits of this scheme. For this, registration can be done on the SARAL Haryana portal till April 15. Eligible individuals can register for this free travel either through their nearest CSC centre or from home using their smartphones.

Eligibility Criteria for the Scheme

The spokesperson clarified that certain mandatory documents are required to apply under this scheme. These include a valid photo identity proof (such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, or any other government ID), Family Identity Card (PPP), a self-declaration of being physically fit for travel, and a declaration stating that the applicant has not availed the scheme in the last three years.

The applicant must be a resident of Haryana and must possess a Family Identity Card (PPP).

Additional Provisions

The spokesperson further stated that senior citizens are allowed to take one attendant along with them at full payment. Individuals aged between 18 and 60 years or those with an annual income above ₹1.80 lakh can also avail of this travel on full payment.

As per the scheme rules, a person can avail of this facility only once every three years. The scheme will operate on a “first-come, first-served” basis, and having a Family Identity Card is mandatory for application.

Under this scheme, the government will make complete arrangements for passengers’ accommodation, food, and local transportation.

Post-Registration Requirement

The spokesperson informed that after registration, applicants must inform the District Information and Public Relations Officer (DIPRO) office in their respective district. This is necessary to ensure that the list of eligible persons is sent to the Railways on time. Registered individuals must provide this information to the DIPRO office before April 16.

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