Minister JP Dalal: More Private Firms Must Invest In Cooperatives

JP Dalal, the state agriculture minister, invited more private firms to invest in contract farming in Haryana on Monday to help farmers ensure a fixed return.

"Many farmers in Haryana have been opting for contract farming as it assures income," the minister said at a Farrukhnagar event hosted by international beer manufacturer AB InBev, which is currently sourcing barley grains from nearly 2,500 farmers in Haryana and Rajasthan. Contract farming of barley grains and other crops is becoming more popular in the state."

Dalal also stated that in south Haryana, where groundwater is scarce, more farmers are shifting to barley farming because it requires less water and is a low-cost investment.

"The water requirement is less than half of the requirement for wheat, with farmers growing barley grains in dry areas now. In addition, animals consume barley stubble, reducing the need for farm fires," Dalal explained.

"I am a farmer as well, and we are working for the benefit of farmers. This year, the state plans to open a flower market in Gurgaon and Sonipat, which will benefit thousands of farmers. Farmers from Pataudi, Farrukhnagar, and other parts of Haryana will no longer have to travel to Delhi to sell their produce once the Gurgaon market opens," Dalal said, adding that the government is working to establish more flower' mandis'.

Flowers worth Rs 250-275 crore arrive in Gurgaon markets every year via the Ghazipur market in Delhi. According to the Haryana marketing board, the latter has a total annual trade of Rs 650-700 cr0. Flowers like marigold and rose, on the other hand, are traditionally grown in Gurgaon, Panipat, Karnal, Ambala, Kurukshetra, Jind, Bhiwani, Jhajjar, and Yamunanagar.

AB InBev hosted a Monday event for farmers who have chosen contract farming with the company. Barley grown during the rabi season is used in the production of beer, whisky, distilled beverages, soup, bread, and biscuits, as well as animal fodder.

Source- TOI

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