HARYANA KISAN AYOG HARYANA KISAN AYOG Newsletter Vol. 5, No. 4 A Quarterly Newsletter October-December, 2015 From Chairman’s Desk First of all, I wish all our readers a very happy and prosperous New Year-2016. Haryana has maintained its leadership position, in agriculture, in the country as one of the most important food bowls, being the second largest contributor to our national food reserves. In recent past, Haryana has achieved the highest productivity in the country in case of wheat and top position in export of basmati rice. This has been possible through the hard work of farmers, technical input by scientists and policy support by the Government. Despite the above achievements some second generation problems are knocking the door these includes climate change, degradation of natural resources and emerging pest and insects. The year 2015 turned out to be a very bad crop year as in the beginning of year there were widespread losses to the wheat crop. The wheat crop sown in about 25 lakh acres in Haryana in the last rabi season was damaged by unseasonal rains and hailstorm and losses between 25 to 100 % were recorded in the affected areas. This season also badly affected the production of mustard in Haryana. This was followed by extensive damage to cotton crop in the kharif season by severe attack of white flies in an epidemic form. The insect attack also caused damage to guar and other crops. The successive crop failures resulted in a crisis situation for the farmers. The state Government stood by the farmers and took a welcome step by providing the highest ever and quickest ever compensation for the wheat crop losses amounting to Rs 1,092 crores in the state. Compensation for losses in the cotton crop are under process. Besides, timely and appropriate compensation, the government took certain steps that would bring about long term changes for the betterment of the farmers. The state government is working on an ambitious crop insurance scheme that is farmer friendly as a long term solution to high level of risk faced in agriculture. The Govern- ment of Haryana has also brought in legislation for the protection and conservation of cows in the state. The purpose of the new law is prohibition of cow slaughter in the state and to make schemes, projects and programmes for conservation and development of indigenous breeds of cows. In this regard, the State Government will establish laboratories for differentiating beef from the meat of other animals and for testing and identification of various constituents of milk and milk products. It would have a positive impact on animal husbandry in Haryana. Programmes for micro- irrigation and rain water harvesting are also being launched, for the ultimate benefit of farmers. The Central Government has also launched two mobile apps Viz. AgriMarket Mobile App and Crop Insurance Mobile App. These apps will help farmers to get information related to crop insurance and prices of agri- commodities in different mandies across the country. Farmers can get information related to coverage amount, sum insured, extended sum insured, premium for notified crops, and subsidy information on any notified crops. AgriMarket Mobile App will provide informa- tion on prices of crops in markets and help to keep farmers abreast of crop prices and discourage them to go for distress sale. WITH BEST WISHES FOR A HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR-2016. Varinder Singh Kundu
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HARYANA KISAN AYOGHARYANA KISAN AYOGNewsletter
Vol. 5, No. 4 A Quarterly Newsletter October-December, 2015
From Chairman’s Desk First of all, I wish all our readers a very happy and prosperous New Year-2016. Haryana has maintained its leadership position, in agriculture, in the country as one of the most important food bowls, being the second largest contributor to our national food reserves. In recent past, Haryana has achieved the highest productivity in the country in case of wheat and top position in export of basmati rice. This has been possible through the hard work of farmers, technical input by scientists and policy support by the Government. Despite the above achievements some second generation problems are knocking the door these includes climate change, degradation of natural resources and emerging pest and insects. The year 2015 turned out to be a very bad crop year as in the beginning of year there were widespread losses to the wheat crop. The wheat crop sown in about 25 lakh acres in Haryana in the last rabi season was damaged by unseasonal rains and hailstorm and losses between 25 to 100 % were recorded in the affected areas. This season also badly affected the production of mustard in Haryana. This was followed by extensive damage to cotton crop in the kharif season by severe attack of white flies in an epidemic form. The insect attack also caused damage to guar and other crops. The successive crop failures resulted in a crisis situation for the farmers. The state Government stood by the farmers and took a welcome step by providing the highest ever and quickest ever compensation for the wheat crop losses amounting to Rs 1,092 crores in the state. Compensation for losses in the cotton crop are under process. Besides, timely and appropriate compensation, the government took certain steps that would bring about long term changes for the betterment of the farmers.
The state government is working on an ambitious crop insurance scheme that is farmer friendly as a long term solution to high level of risk faced in agriculture. The Govern-ment of Haryana has also brought in legislation for the protection and conservation of cows in the state. The purpose of the new law is prohibition of cow slaughter in the state and to make schemes, projects and programmes for conservation and development of indigenous breeds of cows. In this regard, the State Government will establish laboratories for differentiating beef from the meat of other animals and for testing and identification of various constituents of milk and milk products. It would have a positive impact on animal husbandry in Haryana. Programmes for micro-irrigation and rain water harvesting are also being launched, for the ultimate benefit of farmers. The Central Government has also launched two mobile apps Viz. AgriMarket Mobile App and Crop Insurance Mobile App. These apps will help farmers to get information related to crop insurance and prices of agri- commodities in different mandies across the country. Farmers can get information related to coverage amount, sum insured, extended sum insured, premium for notified crops, and subsidy information on any notified crops. AgriMarket Mobile App will provide informa-tion on prices of crops in markets and help to keep farmers abreast of crop prices and discourage them to go for distress sale. WITH BEST WISHES FOR A HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR-2016.
Varinder Singh Kundu
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Meeting of the Working Group on Agri-
cultural Extension in Haryana
A meeting of the working group on Agricultural Extension was organized by HKA on 15 October, 2015 at Ayog's office, Panchkula. The meeting was chaired by Dr. J. C. Katyal, Chairman of the Working Group. Dr R. S. Dalal, Member Secretary, HKA, Dr. A. M. Narula, Dr. B. S. Duggal and Dr. R. B. Srivastava members of the working group present in the meeting. Dr. Sandeep Kumar, Dr. Gajender Singh, Dr. M. S. Jakhar and Mrs. Vandana, Research Fellows, HKA also participated in this meeting.
At the outset, Dr. R. S. Dalal welcomed the chairman and other participants of the meeting and briefed about the objectives and previous meetings of the working group on Agricultural Extension. Dr. J.C. Katyal made a presentation on various aspects of Agricultural Extension and reviewed the
terms of reference of the working group. In his presentation he pointed out the gaps present in the technology transfer and suggested measures for capacity building to ensure faster and effective technology transfer system. Dr. Katyal also prepared the outline of the “Report on Agricultural Extension in Haryana”. He discussed the outline with other members of the working group. The proposed outline consisting of five chapters is as under:
(i) Background
Extension, Extension Education, Agricultural Extension definition and concept.
Role of Agricultural Extension in sustainable growth in productivity, food security, environmental wellbeing, employability. Working group, TOR and expected output and corresponding organization of report.
(ii) History of Agricultural Extension (AE )
Evolution and growth of agricultural extension, Set up, public, private and public-private partnerships. Knowledge and skill delivery agencies and methods, including individual and group based contacts, A&V and ICT in TT
Current set up of AE in Haryana, its strength and
weaknesses.Draw up an iconic system for Haryana. Areas of coverage; model AE structure; delivery methods and/or 'one size fits all' model or it has to be 'tailor-made'; personal contact or ICT- mediated); diverse actors/agencies ploughing their lone furrow versus partnerships and networks
(iii) Haryana Agriculture
Haryana demographic profile, state of natural resources, contribution of agriculture to food security, input use portfolio and use efficiency, environmental performance, technology application fatigue support with examples – income dynamics, yield gap, INM groups, progressive farmers. Critical agricultural practices and status of adoption, Stress points of Haryana Agriculture
(iv) New Look Agriculture Extension (AE) System
New look AE on structures that alleviate current impedi-ments to sustainable productivity growth, profitability, employment generation, building natural resources' health, multifunctional agriculture, farming systems.
(v) Summary and Recommendations
After in depth discussion on the outline and Agricultural Extension in Haryana the following suggestions were made:
Analysis of Technology Transfer Systems to understand the critical gaps. Suggest role of farmers associations, NGOs, women's groups and youth in strengthening TT.
Identify, analyse and profile adversaries scaling - up innovations.
Suggest A new-look AE system that ensures participation of farmers right at the entry point of conceptualization, planning and validation of transferred information and advice.
New AE system should focus on: farmers, farms, farming methods and systems, multifunctional agriculture, pluralis-tic structure, informal institutions & ICT use.
Efficient and integrated use of resources and inputs supporting sustainable growth in productivity, profitability, and employability in consonance with mitigation of GHG emissions and inspired carbon sequestration.
Stresses resilience in agriculture in the face of changing climate by emphasizing capacity building, resources conservation, diversification and holistic agricultural practices.
Creates space for all shades of integrated farming, diversifi-cation, low volume high value agriculture, processing for value addition and market links.
Places high priority on minimizing post-harvest handling, transport and storage losses.
Agricultural Extension System should be Farmer centric system leaning heavily on human/ICT enabled delivery of advice/information as per location and situation.
Provide location/situation-specific suggestions on solving multitude of problems faced by multifunctional agriculture.
The 5 meeting of the Working Group on “Promotion of Honeybee Keeping in Haryana” was held on October 19, 2015 in the office of HKA, Panchkula. The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Prof. V.K. Mattu, Chairman Working Group and Professor, Deptt. of Biosciences, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla. Dr. R. S. Dalal, Member Secretary, HKA, Dr. S.K. Garg, Former Head, Department of Zoology & Aquaculture, CCS HAU, Hisar–Member, Dr. C.J. Juneja, Sr. Consultant (Bee-Keeping), Haryana State Horticulture Development Agency-
Member, Dr. Jaspal Singh, Entomologist, PAU, Ludhiana-Member participated in the meeting. Dr. Neelam Mattu and Dr. K. L. Sharma from Deptt. of Biosciences, HPU, Shimla were also participated as special invitees in the meeting. Research fellows of the Ayog Dr. Gajender Singh, Dr. M.S. Jakhar and Mrs. Vandana also took part in this meeting. At the onset, Prof. Mattu welcomed all the members and participants of the meeting and appreciated the work done by the Group in compiling the report. He started the meeting with a discussion on the drafts of various topics submitted by the members.
Prof. V.K. Mattu presented a brief outline for compil-ing the report in an effective shape. He suggested that the report should be divided into four sections- Introduction, Scientific and technical action plan, Recommendations and Constraints analysis in beekeeping industry. He further suggested that the constraint analysis should be discussed under the heads- Administrative, Research, Technological and Marketing and policy level constraints. He also suggested that the success story of progressive honeybee keepers including women and SC/ST should be collected from across the State and highlighted in the report. He also suggested that a compre-hensive list of progressive beekeepers of Haryana along with detailed contact information should also be included in the report. Prof. S.K. Garg stated that the suggestions for promotion of honeybee keeping should also be invited from scientists and other experts. Prof. Garg also stressed on the need to highlight the biotechnological issue in the report for the upliftment of honeybee keeping in Haryana. He also suggested that there is a need to focus on the problems faced by bee keepers in processing and marketing of honey and honey products. Dr. Jaspal Singh suggested that the areas of potential of beekeeping in Haryana should be prepared and shown in the map of Haryana for the report. The map should also indicate the hotspots of bee flora so that more emphasis may be laid on further promotion of beekeeping in these areas. He suggested to highlight the importance and contribution of beekeeping in economy of Haryana and significance for rural upliftment, also benefits from honey and other bee-hive products should be promoted in monetary terms. Dr. C.J. Juneja stated that the check points for selec-tion of bee breeder farmer should be recommended and mentioned in action points of the report. He also suggested that the Sunflower verities should be analyzed for its impact on honeybee keeping and recommendation on this issue should also be mentioned in the report.
Working Group meeting in progress
Haryana Kisan Ayog participated in Agritech World, 2015 organized at Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Karnal on 7-9 october, 2015. In this Agritech World latest technologies and machineries related to agriculture were exhibited. Haryana Kisan Ayog exhibited its publication at this exhibition. Dr A. K. Srivastava Director, NDRI inaugurated the exhibition on 7 October, 2015 while Dr Gurbachan Singh Chairman ASRB, New Delhi was the Chief Guest of the closing ceremony. The publications and technical reports of the Ayog were highly appreciated by chief Guest and other participants. Many farmers visited the stall of HKA and while gathering the necessary information and publications, appreciated the work and achievements of Ayog.
Agritech World, 2015 at Karnal
Dr Gurbachan Singh, Chairman ASRB and Dr. Indu Sharma, Director, IIWBR at the Ayog stall
Nidana, Jind A meeting with progressive farmers working on IPM in district Jind was organized on 10th December, 2015 at Nidana, Jind. The meeting was chaired by Dr J. C. Katyal, Chairman of the Working Group on Agricultural Extension in Haryana. Dr R. S. Dalal, Member Secretary, HKA, Dr A. M. Narula and Dr R. B. Srivastava, members of the Working Group, Dr Gajender Singh & Dr Sandeep Kumar Research Fellows, HKA and approx 80 progressive farmers including women farmers participated in this meeting. At the very outset Sh Rajbir Singh Kataria, President Kisan Club, Jind welcomed the chairman and other dignitaries. The meeting started with a very melodious Haryanvi Folk song by women farmers based on the insects of cotton. In this song, importance of both friendly and harmful insects of cotton was narrated. Sh. Rajbir Singh informed the group that farmers of the 18 villages of district Jind are Working on the IPM in
cotton. They have identified and studied life cycles of more than 200 insects and divided them into vegetarian and non-vegetarian categories. He said that these insects maintained a balance in nature and there is no need of pesticides for controlling these insects. He also informed that they have started “Keet Saksharta Abhiyan” in the district to encourage the farmers for adoption of IPM in cotton and they strongly discourage the use of pesticides due to their harmful effects on human health and environment. Afterwards, Ms. Savita from village Lalit Kheda, District Jind provided information on herbivorous insect pests of cotton, their identification, mode of action, life cycle and how they infest the crop. She informed that the appearance of insect pests is need based and it is the plant which invites the insects. Sh. Ranbir Malik informed about various harmful effects of the pesticides. He also talked about insects which are beneficial for crops. He also said that approximate 50 progressive farmers including women from different villages of district Jind are actively participating in this work. They have emerged as a “Keet Acharya” who trained other farmers in identifying insects and managing
effective natural control in cotton. After that Ch. Manbir Singh Redhu provided information on carnivorous insects taught them how to utilize other insects for their benefits. Many other farmers had also shared their experience on IPM in cotton.
Dr. J. C. Katyal, Chairman of the Group appreciated the initiatives taken by farmers of district Jind particularly the women groups for the adoption of IPM technology to control pests in cotton. He said that he was happy to know that the farmers are becoming aware and convinced to adopt IPM approach in cotton. He also said that the efforts of farmers are not less than the scientists. He further said that the most important initiative should be to identify the skill of the rural youth and particularly women should be recognized and incentivized. Afterwards, Dr. R S Dalal, Member Secretary, HKA thanked the farmers group for organizing this meeting and appreciate their work. He assured the farmers that Haryana Kisan Ayog will help in promotion of their work. Finally, Sh. Rajbir Singh Kataria, Thanked the Ayog for the support and organizing this meeting. He also informed Dr. Dalal regarding some points which should be undertaken by the Govt., listed as: farmer groups involved in the bio-control in cotton in district Jind be financially supported to take such activities on larger scale and farmers involved in such programmes should be given chance for up-scaling their skills, for promotion of their work in Haryana and other States.
HKA organized a meeting of Working Group on Agricultural Extension with Presidents of “District Kisan Clubs” of Haryana on 19 November, 2015 at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. The meeting was chaired by Dr J.C. Katyal, Chairman of Working Group. Dr R. S. Dalal, Member Secretary, HKA, Dr B.S. Duggal, Ex- Addl Director Agriculture, Haryana, Dr A.M. Narula, Ex Zonal Director Extension, ICAR, Dr R.B. Srivastava, Ex Assoc. Director Planning, CCSHAU, Hisar, (Members of the working group) Dr. R. K. Rana, Ex HOD Plant Breeding, CCSHAU, Hisar, Dr N.L. Bhatia, Ex Chief Scientist Dry land, CCSHAU, Hisar, Dr Gajender Singh & Dr Sandeep Kumar Research Fellows, HKA and the President of “District Kisan Clubs” partici-pated in this meeting. Before initiating the discussion, Dr R.S. Dalal welcomed the President of District Kisan Clubs, scientists and members of the Working Group and apprised the participants about the purpose of the meeting.
In his opening remarks Dr J. C. Katyal said that Haryana farmers have contributed a lot for the food security of the country. In this endeavour, state agricultural extension agencies have played significant role in capacity building of farmers by empowering them with advanced knowledge and effective technologies. He also stated that the committee wants to know about emerging expectations of the farmers. As per various reports, about 40% farmers want to shift from farming to other professions and the youth is loosing interest in farming. These are serious issues. These issues have to be critically analyzed and managed by making farming as an attractive and profitable venture. Dr Katyal further said that sharing of farmers' knowledge and collaboration with farmers for technology transfer could be some of the options to revamp agricultural extension system. After this the Chairman invited suggestions from the Presidents /members of Districts Kisan Clubs. The recommendations and details of suggestions are as under:
After the wider interaction and discussion on various issues with Presidents and members of “Kisan Clubs”, it was observed that farmers are very well aware of emerging threats and opportunities in Haryana agriculture. The participants expressed their opinion on wide range of issues pertaining to policy, expectations from researchers and also on the need of change in extension approach. The key recommendations emerged after discussion for revamping agricultural extension in Haryana have been summarized as under:1. Farmers participation in agricultural extension can be
decisive and crucial. Farmers need to be associated in extension activities and they should be recognized as co-extension workers.
2. Zone / micro-zone specific technologies need to be identified and transferred. The package of practices should be developed based on requirements of specific zones.
3. Concept of development of “Smart Villages” needs to be promoted. Water smart village, solar energy smart village, agri-processing smart village, dairy smart village, smart village for judicious use of pesticides, smart village for bio-waste management etc be devel-oped. Such villages can work as live demo / examples for farmers.
4. The extension functionaries need to emphasis consis-tently up on the promotion of water saving and bio-waste management technologies.
5. Agricultural graduate and certified persons should be given license for the sale of pesticides and fertilizers.
6. “Nidana” model for pests control without pesticides in cotton be promoted. Such models for other crops may be developed with the help of farmers. No use or minimum use of pesticides will help in maintaining microbes in soil, improving soil health and reducing the cost of cultivation.
7. Producers' Groups need to be formed so that farmers can jointly manage all these activities related to grading, processing, packaging, marketing, dairying, vermiculture and bio-waste management
8. Awareness about the benefits of protected cultivation be created amongst farmers by extension agencies.
9. To retain youth in agriculture, small scale units for agricultural processing at village level be developed. Trainings for skill development of youth be organized.
10. The progressive farmers are now looking for increasing their reach in domestic and global markets. Extension agencies must train farmers and empower them with knowledge of markets and import-export rules and regulations.
11. There must be a hub of energy efficient machines and tools at block levels so that farmers can use costly machines on contractual basis to reduce the cost of cultivation.
“Mehnat Kash Kisan Club”, Hisar came into existence in, 2001 under the guidance of Agriculture Department, Haryana. This club was established with over 340 progressive farmers among which 80 progressive farmers have a lifetime membership of the club. These farmers are very active and disseminate the latest information regarding various high-tech agriculture practices among themselves. The first president of the club was Sh. Dayanand Nambardar after that Sh. Rajender Singh Lamba was unanimously elected President of this club and Shri Rajpal Singh as General Secretary. The club members and progres-sive farmers of the district regularly meet on every 10th day of each month. The meeting are held under the chairmanship of Deputy Director Agriculture in which officers from the Department of Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal
Husbandry are invited. The problems of the farmers are discussed in this meeting and the officers provide information about ongoing schemes and other technologies. The members of the club along with other farmers organize Kisan Goshties, discussions, farm dharshan and training programmes. Visits are also organized to see the latest technologies being adopted by farmers of other States. The club gives emphasis on making farmers aware about the importance of soil and water testing, water harvesting and efficient use of water. The club also provides awareness to the farmers regarding proper use of pesticides, and GMOs. The club has been promoting integrated farming, protected cultivation, crop diversification
and organic farming in the area. In fact, this club acts as a bridge between administration and farmers.
An important achievement of the club is that it is successfully running a Gaushala with 2000 cows in Ladwa, district Hisar. They use cow dung for preparation of biogas and vermi-compost and practice organic farming. This Gaushala is known for its medicinal products and they have
started AIDS free India Mission in which they prepare medicine for AIDS by cow by-products. They also made cosmetic products such as soap and other products using cow by-products. The club also actively promoted plantation of Ratan jot (Jatropha carcus) in barren land and they started oil extraction from the seeds of Jatropha. The Jatropha oil can be converted into petrol after the trans-esterification process. They also requested Govt. for establishment of a trans-esterification unit. The club members actively participated in seminars, workshops, trainings by which they gain knowl-edge and disseminate this to other farmers. According to the Mehnat Kash Kisan Club Hisar, there are some points which need to be undertaken: The package of practices should be based on specific zones and requirements of farmers; water saving and green manuring technologies must be promoted; promotion of organic farming; skill development program in agriculture be intensified and to retain youth in agriculture, small scale units for agricultural processing at village level be developed.
Activities of “Mehnat Kash Kisan Club” – Hisar
Sh. Rajender Singh Lamba during the seminar
A view of dispensary at Ladwa Gaushala, Hisar
'Scientist Associate Award' to Dr. M.S. Jakhar, Research Fellow, HKA at GRISAAS-2015
Dr. M.S. Jakhar, Reasearch fellow of HKA, Panchkula was awarded 'Scientist Associate Award' in National Conference on Global Research Initiatives for Sustainable Agriculture and Allied Sciences (GRISAAS-2015) held on 12-13 December, 2015 at RVS Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Gwalior (MP). The conference was organized by Astha Foundation in collaboration with RVSKVV Gwalior (MP), SSDAT, SERS Society and ALAKH organization. This award has been given by Astha Foundation to Dr. Jakhar in recognition of his contribution in the field of agricultural research and extension. Dr. J.S. Sandu, DDG (Crop Science) ICAR, New Delhi was the chief guest of the conference. A large number of scientists and represen-tatives of agricultural institutes/ universities from across the country participated in the conference. Various technical sessions were organized on the relevant topics, in which scientists/experts delivered oral and poster presentation. Dr. Jakhar also actively participated in the various events and presented two papers during the conference.
LUVAS organized Pashu Vigyan Mela on October 24, 2015 at village Kaorak Dist. Kaithal. Mela was inaugurated by Hon'able Chief Minister of Haryana Sh. Manohar Lal Khattar. Speaking on this occasion he thanked the Vice-Chancellor of LUVAS for organizing this function. He said that LUVAS has done a great job by training 2000 women in field of Animal Husbandry in this year. He further announced the setting up of regional research station of LUVAS at Village Karorak. On this occasion Maj. Gen (Dr.) Shri Kant Vice-Chancellor said that there are ample opportunities in the field of animal husbandry and people must adopt this as a means for liveli-hood in the rural areas.
On this occasion two day clinical camp was also
organized and in this camp 500 animals were treated for different ailment by experts. LUVAS also organized an exhibition on this occasion in which recent research tech-niques were displayed by different departments. Some of the farmers doing innovative work in the field of animal hus-bandry were given prizes by the Chief Guest. Expert Scientists from the university delivered lectures on some of the impor-tant issues of animal health and production.
Free Rabies Vaccination Health Camp for Pets
LUVAS organized a free rabies vaccination camp for pets, on the occasion of foundation day of LUVAS on November 29, 2015. Maj. Gen. (Dr.) Shri Kant Vice-Chancellor was Chief Guest of the function. Speaking on this occasion Vice-Chancellor emphasized the importance of vaccination and appealed to all the pet owners especially dog lovers to get their animals vaccinated against various diseases mainly rabies which is a very dreadful disease. Further he said that there are number of zoonotic diseases like Mange, R i n g w o r m , S a l m o n e l l o s i s , L e p t o s p i r o s i s , a n d Echinococcosis etc that can be transmitted from infected animals to the humans. Therefore keeping the pet animals healthy is very important from public health point of view. In this camp more than 250 dogs were vaccinated against rabies.
Large numbers of animals were treated for various ailments related to general medicine, surgery, and animal reproduction etc. A number of animals were examined for eye, dental and skin problems and appropriate treatments were prescribed by experts from different departments of LUVAS. In this camp large number of dog breeds like Roltweiler, Afgan bully, Labrador, German shepherd, Pug, Pitbull, Mastiff, Dalmatian, Duchshund and Boxer etc, brought by the owners for health check up were the point of attraction.
Vocational Dairy Trainings
Directorate of Extension Education, LUVAS orga-nized number of eleven days vocational dairy trainings in different parts of the state. Large number of farmers including women participated in these trainings. The trainees were provided with comprehensive practical knowledge and latest management practices pertaining to dairy farming, like Indian and exotic dairy breeds of cattle and buffalo, housing, balanc-ing of ration, feeding mineral mixture, deworming practices, major infectious and non-infectious diseases, vaccination, breeding management, care and management of pregnant animals and calves, high-tech dairy and various loan and subsidy schemes etc.
In past few years, Horticulture Department has set forth many records by setting up an example above all others in India. In horticulture sector, Haryana is making rapid strides and is shining as an upcoming progressive State by achieving many unfulfilled goals since few years. The current status reveals that among all cultivated area, 6.77% is covered under horticulture land. In year, 2005, the total land covered under fruits, vegetables, spices and condiments,
medicinal plants was 2.47 lakh hectares, but in March 2014, it reached to 4.50 lakh hectares. Horticulture Department has moved its foot forward in making the farmers progressive by helping them adopt the conservation technique in fruit and vegetable farming.
Five new projects launched in the State
In order to provide professional training to farmers, five projects have been established in the State. All these projects are playing a unique role in different sectors of horticulture in the State and will help the farmers by showing them a new way towards their prosperity. The vegetable excellence centre at Gharonda, Karnal and fruit excellence centre at Mangiana, Sirsa established by Indo-Israel project, firstly initiated in Haryana State. The growing interest among State farmers towards the horticulture farming is a clear indication that the farmers' are fetching handsome benefits from the schemes and projects launched by the dept.
Vegetable excellence centre at Gharonda, Karnal
In this centre farmers are motivated to get trained in newly introduced farming techniques and to adopt these methods in their fields. Here farmers come for queries related to conservation agriculture techniques and get regular training by the horticulture experts. In the centre the vegeta-ble saplings are prepared and are provided on 50% subsidy to the farmers. Till now, 1252 poly houses in 438.77 hectare of land in the State has been established. The future objective is to increase this land to 50,000 hectare.
Fruit excellence centre at Mangiana, Sirsa
This centre is established over 80 acres of land. Some fruit varieties of citrus, pomegranate, olives and dates are showcased in this centre on experimental basis. This centre help farmers to understand the concept of their soil and select the appropriate fruit varieties so as they can gain profits to the maximum extent and establishing their own fruit farms.
Sub Tropical fruit excellence centre at Ladwa,
Kurukshetra
This centre is under construction at 30 acres of land in Ladwa, Kuruksherta. At this centre, some fruit varieties namely, Mango, Leetchi, Pear, Peach, Naseberry, Guava, Olives and Parsimone are showcased by latest techniques..
Guava performance centre, Bhuna, Fatehabad
This centre has been established at Bhuna, Fatehabad where 18 different varieties of Guava have been showcased by latest techniques. Here farmers are trained to establish their own farms according to their geographical needs.
Horticulture Biotechnology Centre
This centre is being established in Shymgarh, Karnal. The work of this centre is under progress and the work is likely to complete by November, 2015.
Activities of Horticulture Department, Haryana
A view of Horticulture Biotechnology Centre
Sh. Manohar Lal, Chief Minister of Haryana taking information on Protected cultivation
The inauguration of Office Building of Director Fisheries Haryana held on 14-10-2015 under the Chairmanship of Sh. Rattan Lal Kataria, Member Parliament, Ambala. Sh. Om Prakash Dhankar, Hon'ble Minister Agriculture, Irrigation, Development and Panchayat, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Fisheries Haryana, inaugurated the Office building in presence of Sh. Gyan Chand Gupta, MLA Panchkula at Bays No. 31-32, Sector -4, Panchkula. The eco-friendly construction of Office building was done with a cost of Rs. 228.22 lakhs
having covered area of 11554 sq. ft. which consists of 20 rooms, one committee room, one store room and parking area for vehicles. Sh. Om Prakash Dhankar Hon'ble Fisheries Minister said that Government is promoting fish culture for blue revaluation in the State and budget of the Fisheries Department has been increased three times in comparison to last year. A centre of excellence will be established in District Jhajjar in an area of 17 acres with the collaboration of Vietnam and a shrimp seed production hatchery will also be established in this centre. This will benefit farmers of the State as barren saline land will be brought under white shrimp culture.
Conservation of bio-diversity in natural water
Some of commercial fish species of cat fish, carps and murrells have shown the decline trends in recent years. During the year 1979, there were 150 fish Species from Kalesar to Dadupur in the natural waters and at present only 55 fish species are left. The present level of fish production from these water bodies is 2425.50 MT which will be enhanced by ranching of depleting fish species in the natural waters. During the year 1979, there was 150 fish Species from Kalesar to Dadupur in the natural waters at present only
55 fish species left. Fisheries Department has organized ranching and conservation function at Dadupur Head works in Distt. Yamunanagar for stocking of depleting fish species in natural water. Department has stocked 20,000 fingerlings of Labeo calbasu, 90,000 IMC and 5,000 Mahasheer fish seed has been stocked in the Dadupur Headworks of Western Yamuna Canal in District Yamunanagar on dated 02-11-2015 in presence of Hon'ble Sh. Kanwar Pal, Speaker
Haryana Vidhan Sabha, Hon'ble Sh. Om Parkash Dhankar, Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, Haryana and Sh. Ghanshyam Dass Arora, MLA, Yamuna Nagar in the function organized for conservation of declining Labeo calbasu, IMC and Mahasheer fish from natural water bodies. In this function 300 Fish Farmers including anglers and local administration & officer of the Fisheries Department were present. Hon'ble Sh. Om Parkash Dhankar, said that to conserve natural bio diversity, ranching of fish species should be done every year. He launched the book “Prakartik Paniyoo Main Matasya Sarakshan Ke Liya Niymawali” by unveiling the ribbon for the conservation of depleting fish species in the natural water bodies.
Activities of Fisheries Department, Haryana
Sh. O.P. Dhankar at fish conservation programme, Yamunanagar
Agriculture Minister of Haryana inaugurating the building
Hon’ble Agriculture Minister addressing the audience
Soil Health Card: To ensure better soil health as well as soil productivity 154664 soil health cards have been issued among 154664 farmers. In addition to above, 118040 nos. of samples have also been collected under Soil Health Scheme which are under testing process.
Underground Pipeline (UGPL): UGPL has been laid out in 38199 hect. for judicious use of irrigation water. An amount of Rs. 59.60 crores has been distributed as subsidy 14874 farmers.
Sprinkler Irrigation: Sprinkler irrigation sets have been provided to 7020 farmers for irrigating 13458 hact. of land Subsidy to the tune of 10.30 crores has been provided for this purpose. This method of irrigation is very effective and popular in indulating land/sand dunes particularly in South West Haryana.
Farm Mechanization: Under Farm Mechanization Scheme the Department of Agriculture distributed about 12735 no. of farm implements on subsidized rates to the tune of 40 to 50 percent under different centrally sponsored schemes/state plans for better tillage operation as well as clean cultivation. Major implements distributed the farmers are Zero tillage machine, Staraw reaper, Cotton Seed-cum-fertilizer drill, Tractor Mounted Sprayer, Lazer Land Leverllor, Direct Seeded Rice Machine, Happy Seeder etc.
Biogas Plants: As many as 1340 biogas plants have been installed at farmer locations with a subsidy amount for Rs. 8000 to 9000 per unit.
Land Levelling: 19735 hact. land was levelled by lazer land leveller by the department in the State, thereby saving of irrigation water upto 25%.
Seed Availability: The availability of certified seed of all important crops was satisfactory during last one year. During last Kharif season (2014), 93270 Qtls certified seed was made available to the farmers. The sale of certified seed during the last Rabi season (2014-15) was 1348590 Otls. During the current Kharif season (2015) more than 2-0 lakhs Qtls Wheat certified seeds was provided on subsidized rates to the farmers. As against seed distribution target of 13.51 Qtls during the current Rabi season (2015-16), 15.90 lac Qtls certified seed has been arranged for the farmers.
Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana: Under RKVY an outlay of Rs. 254.68 crore was made by Govt. of India during 2014-15. Out of which Rs. 152.50 crore were utilized by Department of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Horticulture and State Agriculture/Animal Husbandry University etc. allocation of Rs. 269.02 crore was made during the current year with sharing pattern of 50:50 between Centre and State for production as well as infrastructure growth of various line
departments. An amount of Rs. 134.52 crore as first instal-ment has been distributed among various department of the State.
Sugarcane Crushing: During the 2014-15 season 57.57 lac quintals sugar was produced by crushing 579.44 quintal of sugar cane by various sugar mills in the state. The average sugar recovering percentage remained at 9.94%. Financial assistance was also provided to the cooperative & private sector sugar mills who were facing financial crisis for making the payment to the farmers.
Crop Diversification Scheme (CDP): The department provides crop wise inputs to the farmers to replace water guzzling crops by an alternate crops in the form of demon-strations. More than 23500 hect. of demonstrations on the farmer's fields for the replacement of paddy by maize were laid out. The Cultivation of other crops, such as summer moong, maize and poplar are being promoted under this scheme. An amount of Rs. 48.86 crore was utilized during 2014-15 and allocation for Rs. 99.5 crore made by Government of India for the current year. Under this scheme Rs. 49.76 crore released as first instalment for performing different activities like alternate demonstration/site specific activity/mechanization.
Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA): Under this scheme, 8 nos. of states training were organized, 6188 nos. of demonstrations of various crops were laid out on the farmers fields, 165 nos. of farmers field schools were organized, 87 nos. of field days and 112 nos. of exposure visits of farmers were organized at various level.
National Food Security Mission: An amount of Rs. 3810.165 lac has been provided under this scheme during 2015-16, out of which Govt. of india has accorded sanction for Rs. 93.39 crore. A target of organising 209 farmer trainings of wheat and pluses crops has been fixed for the current year under the scheme.
Promotion of Cotton Cultivation: An amount of Rs. 1.37 crore has been distributed as subsidy to the farmers for providing different kinds of spray pumps.
National Mission on Oil Seed and Oil Palm (NMOOP): Under this scheme 35157 Qtls seed of mustard was distrib-uted on subsidized rate to the farmer. Apart form that 18307 block demonstrations of mustard, 5500 sunflower, 333 farmer field school, 333 farmer training programme were also conducted. Different kind of sprayers like knap – sack (4312), power operated (7774), metallic bins (3625), sprinkler set (1641), improved agriculture implements (762) and power operated agriculture implements (3545) were also distributed to the farmers.
Achievements/announcements of Department of Agriculture
