Haryana Government Launches Innovative Scheme to Reward Farmers for Crop Diversification & Water Conservation

In a joyful announcement, the Haryana government has introduced an innovative initiative to reward farmers for adopting crop diversification. This progressive step takes the form of the ambitious "Mera Pani-Meri Virasat Scheme," a forward-looking program aimed at not just promoting crop diversification but also safeguarding invaluable water resources.

Under the capable leadership of Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, the Haryana government has initiated a transformative scheme with the dual purpose of conserving water resources and encouraging crop diversification. The initial signs of success have been so promising that an ambitious target has been set for 2023-24: to save a remarkable 42,480 crore liters of water.

At the core of the Mera Pani-Meri Virasat Scheme lies its commitment to providing financial support to farmers who choose to diversify from paddy crops into alternatives such as maize, cotton, millet, pulses, vegetables, and fruits. With an allotment of Rs 7,000 per acre, the government has paved the way for an agricultural revolution.

In the Kharif season of 2020, nearly 42,000 farmers embraced crop diversification across 63,743 acres, with a substantial grant of Rs 45 crore extended to facilitate this transition. The outcome was nothing short of remarkable, leading to savings of an astonishing 22,565 crore liters of water.

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In 2023 of Kharif season, the Mera Pani-Meri Virasat Scheme extends its scope by including alternative crops from the previous year. The government has set an ambitious goal of 1.20 lakh acres for crop diversification, with an expected expenditure of approximately Rs 84 crore.

The vision of this scheme targets to conserve a monumental 42,480 crore liters of water. The early numbers are promising, with 32,150 farmers registering 70,170 acres of crops under the scheme by the close of July 2023.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Khattar demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental and soil health with the introduction of the natural farming scheme. This plan safeguards soil quality, reduces harmful pesticide use, and sets a substantial target of 20,000 acres for 2023-24, spanning both agriculture and horticulture.

A dedicated natural farming portal has garnered interest from 9,169 farmers. Incentives include Rs 3,000 for equipment to prepare natural fertilizers and Rs 25,000 for acquiring indigenous cows, with added branding and packaging incentives provisions.

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The government also launched the direct paddy sowing initiative to enhance water conservation. It includes setting up demonstration plots for direct rice sowing in 12 districts and offering verified farmers a Rs 4,000 per acre incentive. In the previous year, 72,900 acres were verified, and farmers received Rs 29.16 crore.

Looking forward to the 2023 Kharif season, the goal is to expand this water-saving method to 2 lakh acres.

In the traditional method, paddy plants are nurtured in nurseries, followed by the labor-intensive process of uprooting and transplanting them into waterlogged fields. In stark contrast, the DSR technique offers a more efficient and water-conserving solution. Paddy seeds are directly drilled into fields using specialized machines, leading to a substantial reduction in water consumption. This not only conserves a precious resource but also eases the burden on farmers.

The multifaceted approach of the Haryana government, covering crop diversification, natural farming, and water-saving practices, signals a new era of sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship. 

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