HARYANA KISAN AYOGHARYANA KISAN AYOGNewsletter

The Haryana State has made greater strides in food production during last decades owing largely on chemical based farming. However, this success resulted in several subsequent problems. The rice-wheat cropping system in the State, covering approximately 58% of cultivable area, is now seen and realized as major cause of soil health deteriora-tion. Henceforth alternate options for sustain-able farming have to be revisited for agricul-tural research and development in the State. Presently, we need to create a balance for sustainable agriculture and allied sectors by introducing climate smart technologies conserving natural resources, reducing costs of cultivation and risk management to make farming more resilient and profitable. There are still several untapped opportunities in agriculture which may also create employment. Peri-urban farming including horticulture, vegetables, mushroom cultivation, organic farming, dairying, beekeeping, fisheries, poultry, post-harvest management, processing, value addition and agro industry have enormous scope to increase the farm income. Peri-urban farming with organic practices of vegetables like potato, onion, tomato, pea, cucurbits, etc. are likely to pay rich dividends to the farmers with higher

benefit-cost ratio than rice-wheat sequence. Promotion and adoption of peri-urban farming and research for development of varieties suitable for organic farming is the need of the future era. Further, there is a scope for capacity building of farmers and rural youth through entrepreneurship development and self-employment oriented agricultural education. Opportunities are emerging for agri-business and entrepreneurship in domestic and global market leading to employment generation through technology based agriculture and post-harvest management. The geographical location of Haryana gives it an unique advan-tage to reach national and international market. Hence , there is ample opportunity to retain youth in agriculture and related sectors. However, for higher income generation appropriate and attractive policy for processed and value added agri - products is required. This would ensure better return to farmers by minimization of post-harvest losses beside employment generation in food processing industries and marketing of products through more investment in creation of infra-structural facilities. There is a need for creation of specialty agricultural hubs having production, processing, storage and marketing facilities even for exports as per climate zones in the State. In addition to this, branding of agricul-ture based products should be initiated and youth in particular be encouraged. The compe-tition for the development of branded products can be created. The research institutions should have a mission to create unique products as per the international standards which the youths can promptly take up for earning their liveli-hood as an udyami in agriculture and in turn contribute in the prosperity of the State.

Ramesh Kumar Yadava

Vol. 7, No. 2 A Quarterly Newsletter April-June, 2017

2April-June, 2017 Haryana Kisan Ayog, Newsletter, Vol.7, No.2

District Level Farmers' Meeting on “Krishi

Vividhikaran-Kisano Se Seedha Samvad”

The district level farmers' meeting on “Krishi Vividhikaran-Kisano Se Seedha Samvad” was organized by “Haryana Kisan Ayog” at S.D.PG College, Panipat on 29.6.2017. The meeting was organized under the chair-manship of Dr. Ramesh Kumar Yadava, Chairman, HKA keeping in line Doubling the Farmers' Income by the year 2022 - the dream of Hon'ble Prime Minister of India. Sh. Harpal Singh Dhanda, a progressive farmer and a renowned Poultry Entrepreneur and brother of Hon'ble Sh. Mahipal Singh Dhanda, MLA, Panipat (Rural) was the Chief guest of the function and Sh. Anoop Ji, Zila Sanghchalak, RSS, Panipat was the Guest of Honour at this occasion. The other dignitaries present on this occasion were: Sh. Sanjay Bhatia, General Secretary, BJP, Haryana; Sh. Virender Arya, DDA&FW, Dr. Yash Dev Tyagi, Deputy Director AH & D, Dr. Subhash Chander, District Horticulture Officer, Dr. Sat Pal Singh, SMS, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Panipat; Sh. Jagpal Singh, Fisheries Officer, Sh. Satyanarayan,

President, Kisan Club, Sh. Jagdish Sandhu, President Shavet Kranti Dairy Association, Panipat and Dr. S.K. Sharma, Former Principal, S.D.PG College, Panipat. Dr. R. N. Arora, Consultant, Dr. Gajender Singh and Dr. Sandeep Kumar, Research fellows, HKA were also present in this meeting. Dr. R.S. Dalal, Member-Secretary, Haryana Kisan Ayog welcomed dignitaries on the Dias and the officials from State departments and the farmers. The lamps were lightened by the dignitaries in honour of Maa Goddess “Saraswati” before initiating the formal proceedings of the function.

After giving a brief introduction about the purpose of holding this meeting, the discussions begun by inviting the Farmers' first. Several progressive farmers from the district raised the queries /problems related to Crop Insurance, Animal Husbandry,

Beekeeping, Fisheries, Protected Cultivation and GST and their queries were resolved by the concerned officer. Farmers were of the view that insurance cover should be for all the sectors of agriculture, i.e. horticul-tural-crops, dairying, beekeeping, fisheries etc. Govt. should create its own Insurance Agency. so that the premium amount collected for insurance cover from the farmers may be utilized for the welfare of farmers' in general. Breeding programme to improve the breeds of the desi cows should be carried out extensively. The good quality seed for fish farming be provided by State Department of Fisheries. The electricity tariff for fish/poultry farming be at par with the agricultural rates. Govt. should take necessary steps to promote herbal production in the state and provide marketing facilities. Good quality seed of high yielding crop varieties be made available in time. Dr. Subhash Chander, DHO, Panipat advised the farmers who wish to venture into Protected Cultivation, should get proper training from the State Department of Horticulture and informed that these trainings are available free of cost, to save themselves from any hassles/problems being faced at later stage. He further revealed that poly sheet problem is being resolved by the department at its own level. Full cooperation is being provided by the department at all levels. He also disclosed that the subsidy policy has been changed now and the rates for the items are same throughout the country required for both agriculture / horticulture.

Lamp Lighting by dignitaries

Address by Dr. R. S. Dalal, Member Secretary

3Haryana Kisan Ayog, Newsletter, Vol. 7, No.2 April-June, 2017

Dr. R. S. Dalal, Member Secretary, Haryana Kisan Ayog added that now on-line system is being followed for inviting applications for seeking subsidy, followed by draw of lots to select the beneficiaries and thus diminishing the apprehension of any corruption in the distribution of subsidies. After listening to the farmers' problems and suggestions on various aspects of agriculture and allied activities, some other dignitaries were invited to put forth their view points on the crop diversification and its significance in doubling the farmers' income. Dr. Shyam Bhaskar, Veterinarian and Member, HKA said that dairying can contribute maximum to the income of farmers and it can attract the youth if dairying is associated with advanced technologies. He also emphasized to make different products of milk like

khoya, paneer, cheese and several others to boost their income. He also told that the trainings on rearing of native breeds of cow is required to the farmers for livestock management. Dr. R.S. Balyan, a renowned agriculture scientist and Member, HKA advised the farmers to save natural resources like water, soil fertility etc., by sowing larger area under Basmati rice instead of growing PR varieties of rice by adopting DSR and mechanical transplanting technology. He also advised the farmers to grow more of maize instead of rice to save water and other resources. He said, the farmers should go for organic farming at large scale to fetch higher prices in the market for their produce and adopt intercropping of sugarcane with vegetables to increase the farm income. Sh. Sanjay Bhatia, BJP General Secretary, District Panipat, also spoke on this occasion and empha-sized on adopting the agriculture diversification, e-marketing system, selling the produce and products directly to the consumers and by using advance technol-ogy from sowing till post-harvesting for enhancing the farmers' income. In this endeavor, farmers can make use

of Government's schemes and Kisan Ayog’s recom-mendations. The Chairman, HKA while praising the efforts being made by Hon'ble Prime Minister; Hon'ble Chief Minister and also by Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister, Haryana for achieving the targets of doubling the farmers income within a stipulated period elaborated the significance of diversification & organic farming in agriculture. He emphasized that by utilizing new schemes like e-NAM, value addition, cold chains etc.

the farmers may draw benefits anf youths in particular if get prompted may have better livelihood and hence likely to contribute as an udyami in agriculture sector towards economy of the state as well. In the concluding remarks, Hon'ble Sh. Harpal Singh Dhanda, Chief Guest, said that very useful discus-sions were held during the meeting and remarked that “agriculture with enterprise” by involving fam-ily/groups can help the farmers make their income doubled by the year 2022 as envisaged by our Hon'ble Prime Minister. He also emphasized the farmers to utilize subsidy and PMFBY scheme to their maximum advantage.

Dr. R.K.Yadava addressing the farmers

A progressive women farmer sharing her views

4

Meeting of Working Group on "Animal

Nutrition pertaining to Milk Cattles and

Buffaloes in Haryana”th

Meeting of the working group was held on 25 April, 2017 under the chairmanship of Dr. Ramesh Kumar Yadava, Chairman HKA. Dr. R. S. Dalal, Member Secretary HKA, Dr. N. N. Pathak, Chairman of the working group and former Director CIRB, Hisar and members of the working group Dr. D.C. Sangwan, Ex-Prof. & Head, Animal Nutrition, CCSHAU, Dr. B.S. Jhorar, Ex-Head, Forage Section, CCSHAU, Dr S. S. Dahiya, Principal Scientist, Animal Nutrition & Feed Technology, CIRB and Dr. Nand Kishore, Head, Department of Animal Nutrition, LUVAS participated in this meeting. Dr. Gajender Singh and Dr. Sandeep Kumar, Research Fellows, HKA were also present in this meeting. At the outset, Dr. R. S. Dalal welcomed the

Chairman and other participants and introduced all the members of working group to the Chairman. Dr. N. N. Pathak summarized the terms of references of the group and highlighted the importance of animal hus-bandry and dairy for the overall contribution in the growth of GDP in agriculture and objectives of the working group to all present in the meeting and shared the draft for reference to members of the working group. Dr. Ramesh Kumar Yadava, Chairman HKA said that Animal Husbandry is the backbone of sustainable economy of the farmer. It provides financial support to the landowning as well as the landless farmers. He pointed that demand of milk is likely to increase day by day however there is negligible improvement in milk yield. He emphasized upon the genetic improvement of the A2 breed for not only higher milk yield but also their proper rearing based on nutritional feeding. Hence forth efforts are required for the improvement of desi cows to make them economically viable for the farmers.

Meeting on Post-Event Report on Agri

Leadership Summit-2017

Government of Haryana organized “Agri Leadership Summit – 2017” at Suraj Kund, Faridabad, Haryana from March 18-20, 2017. Haryana Kisan Ayog was one of the co-organizers of this event. Government had assigned the task of preparing post-event report to Haryana Kisan Ayog. The Haryana Kisan Ayog nominated the senior technical experts namely Dr. O.P. Dhanda, Ex-ADG, ICAR, New Delhi, Dr. K. N. Rai, Former Head, Agri. Eco, CCSHAU, Hisar, Dr. S.K. Sharma, Ex-Manager, ATIC, CCSHAU, Hisar, Dr. Pratap Singh, Ex-Head, Veg. Sc. CCSHAU, Hisar and Dr. R.B. Srivastava, Ex-Addl. Director, CCSHAU, Hisar as observers to cover the post-event. After resounding success of the event, Haryana Kisan Ayog held a meeting with the observers under the chairman-ship of Dr. Ramesh Kumar Yadava, Chairman, Haryana Kisan Ayog on 24-04-2017. Dr. R. S. Dalal Member Secretary, Dr. R. S. Balyan Member and Research fellows of Haryana Kisan Ayog were also present in the meeting. Dr. Ramesh Kumar Yadava Chairman Haryana Kisan Ayog gave outline about the report and circulated the draft to the observers to finalize the report. He also said that State Government is consistently trying to reach out to the farmers to motivate and sensitize them for adoption of efficient and appropriate technologies which would help them in

becoming competitive in domestic and global markets. Dr. R.S. Dalal, Member Secretary, Haryana Kisan Ayog thanked to chairman, members and all senior technical experts to their suggestions towards the post event report on Agri Leadership Summit 2017 and ensured to accom-modate their views expressed in this regards.

Discussion on Agri Leadership post event report

April-June, 2017 Haryana Kisan Ayog, Newsletter, Vol.7, No.2

WG members discussing about animal nutrition

5

Meeting in progress

Chairman, HAIC, Sh. Govind Bhardwaj honoured as the chief guest

Haryana Kisan Ayog, Newsletter, Vol. 7, No.2 April-June, 2017

Meeting on “Haryana Agri-Business and

Food Processing Policy-2017 (Draft)”

A meeting on Haryana Agri-Business and Food

Processing Policy-2017 (Draft) was organized by

Haryana Kisan Ayog on 1.6.2017 at 10:30 am in Kisan

Bhawan, Panchkula. The initiatives for convening this

meeting was taken up by Haryana Kisan Ayog on the

basis of a news item “Haryana to come up with agri-

business, food processing policy” appeared in newspa-

per The Tribune, dated 24 May, 2017.

Sh. Govind Bhardwaj, Chairman, Haryana

Agro-Industries Corporation Limited, was the Chief

Guest at this occasion. Dr. R.S. Dalal, Member-

Secretary, HKA welcomed the Chief Guest and other

dignitaries. After giving a brief introduction about the

purpose of holding this meeting, the discussions were

begun on the draft of Haryana Agri-Business and

Food Processing Policy-2017. The meeting was

attended by more than 30 delegates including,

Farmer Entrepreneurs, Scientists, Professors from

various State Universities, Officers from various State

Departments like Agriculture & Farmers Welfare;

Horticulture; Animal Husbandry and Dairying;

Fisheries, Haryana Seed Development Corporation and

Haryana Agro Industries Corporation Limited,

Murthal. A very fruitful discussion was held among the

participants and stakeholders and some important points

that emerged from the meeting are as under: Special incentives be given to women entrepreneurs

who intend to install Agri-business and/or Food

Processing Units; this may be in the form of higher

subsidy and lower taxes/charges.

Incentives be given to youth also for encouraging

them to adopt agricultural profession and invest in

installing Food Processing Units; Now GST system of taxation has come into force, the

policy need to reflect GST rates. For canned food this

should be reduced to 5%. Since Food Processing Plant/Industries are mostly

expected to be installed in rural areas, hence 7x24

power supply be ensured for smooth and economical

running of the plants. Under fiscal Incentives for Agro and Food

Processing Units of the Draft Proposal of Haryana

Agri-business and Food Processing Policy-2017,

there is a provision to provide “Interest Subsidy” to

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. This incen-

tive also needs to be extended to large enterprises. It is suggested to allot 60% of the New Enterprises to

Farmer-Producer Companies. GST rates on Food Processing Machinery and

Packaging material should be reduced to 5%. Incentives for installing Food Processing Industry

should be given to only those progressive farmers

who install the unit in cluster form. It was suggested to install new food processing

plants in the area where there is maximum produc-

tion of that entity. For example, maximum produc-

tion of tomatoes is in the vicinity of Taraori-

Nilokheri, for fruits between Morni-Naraingarh and

for kinnoo in sirsa. Processing plants therefore,

should be planned to install there itself to save

transportation & labour costs and make the business

more lucrative.

6

Special incentives should be given to those Food Processing Units which use the basic material of Organic nature. High price for the production of Organic Seed be ensured. Varieties development programme strictly under Organic Situations be taken up by the Universities or Research Institutions to develop high yielding Varieties/Hybrids.

For skill development, the limit of innovation fund as envisaged in the Draft Policy should be raised from 2 to 10 crores.

The environment issues be dealt under Single Window System to avoid any hassles to the clients.

Midterm review of the Policy be carried out at regular intervals for effective monitoring and evaluation of the Policy.

Initiatives for the Formation of Separate Ministry for Agri-business and Food Processing on the pattern of Central Ministry of Food Processing Industries be taken up for the effective and efficient resource utilization.

The Chairman, HKA emphasized on doubling of farmers income within the stipulated period by diversi-fication in agriculture and strengthening agro-processing industries. According to him, farmers’ produce should not go as waste. In the concluding remarks, Sh. Govind Bhardwaj, Chairman, Haryana Agro-Industries Corporation Limited, said that very useful discussions were held during the meeting and remarked that the increased production and productivity from agriculture and allied sectors should be properly utilized so that the income of the farmers could be doubled by the year 2022 as envisaged by our Hon'ble Prime Minister.

Meeting of WG on Agricultural

Extension in Haryana A meeting of Working Group on Agricultural

ndextension was organized on 22 April, 2017 at LUVAS, Hisar. Dr. Ramesh Kumar Yadava, Chairman, HKA, Dr. J. C. Katyal, Chairman of the Working Group, Dr. R. S. Dalal, Member Secretary, HKA, Dr. R. K. Malik, Dr. A. M. Narula, Dr. R. B. Srivastava, Dr. S.R. Garg and Dr. B.S. Duggal Members of the Working Group, Dr. Sandeep Kumar and Dr. Gajender Singh Research Fellows, HKA participated in this meeting. The purpose of the meeting was to review the progress made in preparation of draft report. Dr. R. S. Dalal, Member Secretary, HKA wel-

comed the participants and briefed the agenda of the meeting. He told the participants that this meeting is organized for the finalization of draft report on revamp-ing agricultural extension in the state. Dr. J. C. Katyal, Chairman of the Working Group presented the draft report and discussed on the comments received from the members of the working group. He said that climate change, water scarcity, soil health problems, challenges of storage, value addition, market competition and changing food habits have to be addressed by our extension system. He also emphasized on participation of farmers right at the entry point of conceptualization, planning, development, deployment and validation of

transferred information and further seek advice by joint involvement and contribution of research and extension. He told that focus of technology transfer will have to tilt more towards community based groups/organizations method of delivery. Further, extension need to organize itself as a multi functional activity with its emphasis widening beyond efficient production-technology to income and employment generating value adding pro-nature enterprise. He concluded that government pretends to double income of the farmers by 2022, which can be achieved by harvesting the opportunities emerging out at state, national and global levels. Obviously, this will need rapid and timely transfer of latest & efficient technology and related packages to the stakeholders. Dr. Ramesh Kumar Yadava, Chairman, HKA also welcomed the Chairman and Members

of the Working Group. In his concluding

remarks he said that extension has played vital

role in agricultural transformation in India. He

told that area specific problems are to be

Working Group meeting in progress

April-June, 2017 Haryana Kisan Ayog, Newsletter, Vol.7, No.2

7Haryana Kisan Ayog, Newsletter, Vol. 7, No.2 April-June, 2017

tackled to maintain buoyancy in agriculture and

accordingly extension systems need to respond. He was

of the opinion that our traditional extension system

needs to be strengthened by adopting new tools of

technology transfer such as Information and

Communication Technology (ICT) . He stressed on the

development of viable demonstration units for on-hand

training in farming systems perspective with emphasis

on intensification, diversification, resource conservation

and value addition at SAUs to train students, farmers and

other stakeholders. He further, emphasized for skill

development of rural youth so that they can look

beyond traditional agriculture. He said that impact

analysis of our activities and its documentation need to

be given importance as that will help in better planning

in dissemination of technologies to the beneficiaries. At

the end, he thanked all the participants of the meeting

and desired to submit the report at earliest.

Fifteenth Meeting of Members of the Ayog

The Fifteenth Meeting of the Ayog was held on nd

2 June, 2017 at 11.00 A.M in the office of Haryana

Kisan Ayog under the chairmanship of Dr. Ramesh

Kumar Yadava, Chairman, HKA. At the outset, Dr. R.S.

Dalal, Member Secretary, welcomed the Chairman and

members, who attended the first meeting of Ayog after

their joining. Dr. Ramesh Kumar Yadava, Chairman,

HKA highlighted the activities taken up by the Ayog

since their joining in November, 2016. Chairman and

members reviewed the various reports submitted by the

Ayog and brought out a new publication, “Important

Recommendations of Ayog”. The Ayog reviewed the

status of various working groups and expressed satisfac-

tion on their working and decided to constitute working

groups. The allocation of office building was also

discussed. The issue is under consideration with the

Horticulture Department. It was decided to pursue the

matter. He further said that he himself and both the

members attended several meetings with farmers

organized by the district authorities from the

Department of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare.

Farmers in different districts were addressed to bring

about awareness about government schemes being

floated and implemented for their welfare.

Visit of Afghanistan Delegation at Haryana Kisan Ayog

A delegation of scientists from Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, Afghanistan visited Haryana Kisan Ayog on 12-04-2017 at Panchkula. The group included one specialist from livestock, Dairy Development, Agriculture and Agri- marketing and lead by Dr. S. M. Kakar, Livestock Coordinator, Kabul, Afghanistan. Dr. Ramesh Kumar Yadava welcomed the delegates. The group wanted to know about the agriculture policies, marketing struc-tures, post-harvest management and basic infrastructural development in the Mandies of Haryana. The group was asked to visit the Anaj Mandi of Panchkula. Sh. Dharmendra Pal, Secretary and Executive Officer, Market Committee, Panchkula explained to the delegation about the process of Anaj Mandi and also told about the Kisan Bazaar where farmers can directly sell their produce to the consumers and by-pass the middle men. The delegation was highly impressed to see the Vita products such as processed milk, chhach, Dahi, Ice-cream, flavored milk, milk cake and paneer etc. Delegates appreciated this initiative of Haryana Government. They were also highly impressed after seeing the Agro-Mall developed by HSAMB in the Panchkula. The Chairman, HKA explained the delegation about the work and activities of Haryana Kisan Ayog and also informed that the state government is focusing on the modern agriculture practices such as peri-urban agriculture, organic farming, horticulture, beekeeping and fisheries to double the farmers income by the year 2022. The delegates highly appreciated the work of Haryana Kisan Ayog. At the end the Chairman, HKA presented them a complete set of Ayog's publications and pack of organic Honey. Dr. R. S. Dalal, Member Secretary, HKA informed the group about the achievements of Agriculture and other concerned departments of Haryana.

Group photo with Afghan delegation

8April-June, 2017 Haryana Kisan Ayog, Newsletter, Vol.7, No.2

DOGUNI HO KISANO KI AAY- PRAGATISHEEL KISANO KI RAI

An interactive meeting on doubling the income of farmers was organized at ICAR, CIRB in collabora-

thtion with Haryana Kisan Ayog on 20 June, 2017 under the chairmanship of Prof. K.P. Singh, Vice-Chancellor, CCSHAU,Hisar. Dr. Ramesh Kumar Yadava, Chairman HKA was the Chief Guest of the function. Dr. R.S. Dalal, Member Secretary, HKA, other members Dr. R.S. Balyan, Dr. Shyam Bhaskar, Dr. R.N. Arora, Consultant from HKA, Director ICAR-CIRB Dr. Inderjeet Singh, Director, ICAR-NRCE, Dr. B.N. Tripathi, Dr. R.S. Hudda, Director Extension Education CCSHAU, Dr. B.S. Sheokand, Director Extension Education, LUVAS, officers from departments of

agriculture, horticulture, fisheries and animal hus-bandry, Dr. K.K. Kundu, Professor CCSHAU, scien-tists from ICAR-CIRB and 34 progressive farmers from different districts of Haryana & Punjab partici-pated in the meeting. Major action points that emerged are : Policy level interventions are required for control of

stray animals. Bos taurus and desi cows (Bos indicus) need to be distinguished in the policy. Recommendations of various advisory bodies etc should be mandatory for implementation. Heads of agriculture and related departments should be technocrats only under State Government.

Soft agriculture loans be given to farmers as per their repayment capacity and moreover for longer duration as well. Land, livestock and rural house-holds should be considered as collateral security for agribusiness/related loans.

MNREGA must be linked with productive agricul-tural activities and industries to combat the adverse

effects of non availability of labourers in agricul-tural sector during the harvesting season.

GST on ghee and packaging material of agro prod-ucts should be relooked in the GST policy.

In the event of electricity cut, the compensation for 4 hrs for 4 days is admissible to industries, in the same way it should be for the farmers too. Subsidized and 24x7 power supply be given to all sectors of agriculture. Farmer's grievances redressal cells at state and district level must be formed for reporting farmers' grievances.

Farmers led innovations may be encouraged by giving grants for research to farmers through agriculture fund to be established at state level. Patents of new innovations made by farmers should be got filed by the Government rather than individ-ual innovator.

Jobs may be ensured for farmers and their families who are displaced due to industrialization, high-ways etc for their livelihood security.

Rural/farm women and ex-servicemen should also be given same benefits as being provided to SC.

Address by Dr. Ramesh Kumar Yadava, HKA

Meeting in progress

A progressive farmer sharing his views

9

Honey Bee-keeping training programme Seven days training programme was organized by National Bee Board, Deptt. of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers' Welfare (DAC & FW), Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare, Govt. of India and M/S. Sindhu Udyog Samiti, Jind, Haryana at Kisan

Sadan, DDA Office, Jhajjar (Haryana) on Scientific Bee-keeping for the farmers/Bee-keepers of Haryana. Dr. Ramesh Kumar Yadava was the Chief Guest of valedic-tory function of training programme. Other dignitaries Dr. B.S. Rana Senior Entomologist, KVK, Jhajjar, J.S. Gulia Retd. Joint Director Agriculture, J.K. Sheoran Consultant & Life Member National Bee Board, Anil Sindhu, President, Sindhu Udyog Samiti, Jind were also present. Dr. Ramesh Kumar Yadava said that honeybee - keeping provides excellent source of income for the landless rural unemployed youths and especially for small farmers beside enhancing productivity in the crops. Bee farming provides supplementary and sometimes major source of income to the farmers, due to its low cost and higher returns. Farmers prefer beekeeping as an important subsidiary occupation as compared to other agro-based industries. It also enhances the productivity levels of agricultural, horticultural and spice crops through pollination services. Now, bee keeping is being adopted in Haryana with greater interest. Bee keepers are harvesting good quantity of honey but generally selling raw honey as they have not come forward to get their honey processed. Beside honey, progressive beekeepers wish to extract royal Jelly, bee venom and prepare other products like wax, pollen etc. Haryana is located in the NCR and hence there is great scope for marketing the bee hive products in the NCR. It was emphasized that Genetically modified varieties are dangerous for honey bee colonies and should be discouraged in the larger intrest of the nation’s economy.

Working Group Meeting on “Diversifica-

tion of Agriculture in Peri-urban areas of

Haryana” The meeting of the Working Group on “Diversi-fication of agriculture in peri-urban areas of Haryana” was organised on 27th April 2017 at CCSHAU, Hisar. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Ramesh Kumar Yadava, Chairman Haryana Kisan Ayog. Dr. B.S. Dhankhar, former ADG, ICAR and Chairman of the Working Group, Dr. R.S. Dalal, Member Secretry, Haryana Kisan Ayog, Dr. S.S. Sindhu (Head Division of Floriculture & LS, IARI), Dr. B.S. Tomar (Head Division of Vegetables Sciences, IARI), Dr. R.B. Srivastava (Ex- Associate Director Planning, CCSHAU, Hisar) and Dr. R.K. Sharma (Ex- Head LPT, LUVAS, Hisar) members of the Working Group, Dr. Sandeep Kumar and Dr. Gajender Singh, Research Fellows, HKA were present in this meeting. The meeting began with a warm welcome of the Chairman and other participants by Dr. R.S. Dalal. He also briefed the agenda of the meeting and recalled the terms of reference of the Working Group. After that Dr. B.S. Dhankhar, Chairman of the WG welcomed all the participants and summarized the items discussed in

the last meeting of the Group. Contents of the report was framed in this meeting and accordingly topics was assigned to the members of the working group. Specific topics such as current status of peri-urban farming, research and development, current gaps, specific crops suitable for peri-urban farming in the horticulture, vegetables and floriculture as per the need of the market be analyzed. Further, status of animal husbandry & dairy, poultry, fisheries in peri-urban farming, training programs and extension facilities for farmers and skill development of rural youth, women and small farmers in

Haryana Kisan Ayog, Newsletter, Vol. 7, No.2 April-June, 2017

Dr. Sindhu welcomed the Chairman HKA

Meeting in progress

10April-June, 2017 Haryana Kisan Ayog, Newsletter, Vol.7, No.2

peri-urban farming examined in the report. Analysis of present marketing system, available infrastructure and policies for peri-urban agriculture and measures for further improvement in linking farmer to the market should be addressed. In his concluding remarks, the Chairman HKA, Dr Ramesh Kumar Yadva, told that diversification of agriculture particularly peri-urban areas is the key for achieving the target of doubling the farmers' income by 2022. He stressed that Haryana has a huge potential in peri-urban farming as it is located very near to the NCR market. He further opined that as the farm income is decreasing drastically therefore shift from traditional cropping pattern is urgently required. Peri-urban agricul-

ture which includes protected cultivation of vegetables, floriculture, horticulture, nursery raising, fisheries, dairy and honey beekeeping, offers great potential to enhance the farm income and hence be promoted in peri-urban areas and training for such sectors of agriculture should be given to the farmers. Sufficient cold storage facilities should be created in peri-urban areas to prevent post harvest losses. Policies for processing and value addition of fruits, vegetables, spices, livestock products and market are to be framed on priority. Production of vegetables through organic farming should be encour-aged because organic products fetch higher price and presently demanded in the market as well. At the end the chairman thanked all the participants in the meeting.

Kisan Adalat A farmers meeting namely “Kisan Adalat” was organized by Haryana Kisan Ayog on the request of Kisan

thSangh on 28 June, 2017 at LUVAS, Hisar. The Chairman Haryana Kisan Ayog, Dr. Ramesh Kumar Yadava was the chief guest in this meeting. Other dignitaries present in this meeting were Dr. R. S. Sheokand, Director of Extension Education, LUVAS, Hisar; Dr D. S. Dahiya, Principal Extension Specialist and incharge Pashu Vigyan Kendra, Bhiwani, Dr Vinod Phogat, Deputy Director Agriculture, Hisar, Sh. Om Singh Chauhan, President, Haryana Kisan Sangh and Sh. Surender Ji, Sangthan Mantri, Haryana Kisan Sangh. The major theme of the goshthi was to review the farmers’ grievances and to find out their possible solution. Around 300 farmers participated in this meeting and put forth their problems in front of the Chair. Mainly the discussion was based on the “Pradhan Mantri Fasal Beema Yojna”. Farmers told that they are facing problem in insurance of the crops, loss assessment report and also for getting claims due to lacking of full information regarding the scheme. They also requested the chairman, Haryana Kisan Ayog that the brochure of the PMFBY should be in Hindi, so that they can read and understand the scheme easily. The farmers also raised the demand for ensuring the MSP for their produce which is often not paid to them. Other queries were related to the genetic purity of the dairy animals particularly for the undercripted bulls. In his address the Chairman Haryana Kisan Ayog said that, the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana is an excellent scheme which provides a risk cover to their crops and ensures financial support to the farmers in case of natural hazards. He further stressed on the use of technology such as smart phones for getting details of premium, sum assured, and settlement of the claims. He ensured the farmers that the PMFBY details will be brought in Hindi. He opined that a good coordination between farmer-agriculture and farmer welfare department-bank and insurance companies has to be there. He emphasized that the farmers should be aware in getting specific crops insured and also for premium being deducted and loss assessment report in his case. He also stressed on the requirement of insurance company office at least on block level for easy implementation of the scheme. He appreciated and thanked the farmers and farmer’s organisation for holding this kind of programme in the larger interest of feedback from stakeholders and officials in policy making toward achieving the goal of doubling farmers income by 2022 and vis a vis their prosperity in general.

Chairman, HKA addressing the farmers

11Haryana Kisan Ayog, Newsletter, Vol. 7, No.2 April-June, 2017

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April-June, 2017 Haryana Kisan Ayog, Newsletter, Vol.7, No.2