Haryana Chief Minister Unveils Major Infrastructure and Agricultural Development Initiatives at State-Level Krishi Vikas Mela
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini inaugurated the state-level Krishi Vikas Mela (Agriculture Development Fair) in Ladwa, Kurukshetra district, on Saturday, describing the event as a celebration of Haryana's "agricultural soul." Organized by Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (HAU) in Hisar, the fair served as a platform for announcing significant infrastructure and agriculture-related projects aimed at boosting the state's farming sector.
Infrastructure Boost: New Four-Laning Corridor and Secretariat Building
Fulfilling a long-pending public demand, CM Saini announced a multi-crore four-laning project that will connect Kaithal to Yamunanagar via Dhand, Pipli, and Radaur. This new corridor is set to link NH-152D, NH-44, and the Shamli Expressway, significantly improving regional connectivity and stimulating economic activity across the area.
In Ladwa, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for a new sub-divisional secretariat building, which will be constructed at a cost of Rs 16.20 crore. Additionally, he inaugurated nine Public Works Department roads worth Rs 6.85 crore, further enhancing local infrastructure. Notably, it was declared that Ladwa will now host the Krishi Vikas Mela annually, cementing its role as a hub for agricultural development.
Agricultural Advancements: Institute of Organic Agriculture and Modern Farm Management
Addressing farmers at the event, CM Saini announced the establishment of an Institute of Organic Agriculture and Modern Farm Management on 10 acres in Mathana village, located within the Ladwa constituency. The proposed institute will offer undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programmes in agricultural sciences, with the goal of preparing the younger generation for scientific and sustainable farming practices.
During the fair, held at the Ladwa grain market, CM Saini toured university and farmer stalls by riding a tractor, engaging directly with cultivators and scientists. Progressive farmers were honoured with citations and mementoes, and HAU Vice-Chancellor Prof B R Kamboj felicitated the CM and Haryana agriculture and farmers' welfare minister Shyam Singh Rana.
Focus on Water Conservation and Sustainable Farming
Highlighting the fair's theme—"More Crop per Drop"—CM Saini emphasized that climate change, falling groundwater levels, and erratic rainfall pose new challenges for agriculture, making water conservation a national priority. He urged scientists to ensure that research moves beyond laboratories and reaches every farm, stressing that direct dialogue between farmers and scientists is key to agricultural progress.
The Chief Minister outlined several government initiatives, including:
- The Mera Pani–Meri Virasat scheme, under which farmers adopting alternative crops instead of paddy, or leaving fields fallow, receive Rs 8,000 per acre. Under this scheme, Rs 157 crore was provided for over 2.20 lakh acres.
- Micro-irrigation systems such as drip and sprinkler irrigation, which attract subsidies of up to 85 percent, with similar assistance provided for farm ponds.
- 27 projects planned to use treated water from sewage treatment plants for irrigation, with 11 already completed.
- Distribution of more than 1 lakh machines to tackle stubble management, and enactment of strict laws to curb fake seeds and pesticides.
Promoting Crop Diversification and Honoring Farmers
Promoting diversification, CM Saini noted that Haryana is the first state to include 21 crops under the Mukhyamantri Horticulture Insurance Scheme. Over Rs 157 crore was paid to more than 35,000 farmers under price compensation schemes for fruits and vegetables.
Agriculture minister Shyam Singh Rana emphasized the need to reduce dependence on water-intensive crops like paddy and adopt alternative crops, livestock rearing, fisheries, and modern technologies such as direct-seeded rice.
During the fair, HAU highlighted successful research on nearly 50 crop varieties. Progressive women farmers from across the state were specially honoured, and a lucky draw was held for visiting farmers, with prizes including a tractor, rotavator, and a direct-seeded rice machine. Senior officials, legislators, and representatives from agriculture, administration, and local bodies were present at the event.
