Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar of Haryana announced the state government’s intention to harness the extensive agricultural potential in African nations by sending local farmers abroad. This initiative is designed to create fresh opportunities for Haryana’s farming community.
Following discussions with an Ambassador of an African nation, the state government is in the process of signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU), which will be exchanged shortly to formalise this collaboration.
“After signing the MoU, we will invite interested farmers. Farmer groups will be formed and sent to African countries where they can contribute their expertise and benefit from the vast agricultural landscapes available. Before sending them abroad, the government will also provide comprehensive training and necessary assistance to ensure their success in agricultural endeavours abroad,” the CM said.
During a press interaction following the cabinet meeting, Khattar revealed that the reduction in land holdings in Haryana, primarily attributed to industrialization and developmental activities, has compelled the government to seek alternative opportunities for the state’s agricultural community. Taking cues from prosperous farming initiatives in states like Madhya Pradesh, Haryana aims to emulate this success on a global level.
Pakistan plans to lease state-owned land to overhaul its agriculture sector under the Green Pakistan Initiative. The military will have a significant stake in the project, taking over up to 4.8 million acres of land and helping decide who gets parcels. The military’s involvement has raised concerns about profit made from public land and potential harm to small farmers. The plan aims to boost crop yields and attract foreign investment, with collaborations lined up with Kuwait, China Machinery Engineering Corp, and Chinas Famsun. However, critics fear eviction and exclusion of smallholders from the initiative.
The State Food Commission has issued directives to women self-help groups working for welfare schemes to purchase grains from farmer producer companies. The commission emphasizes the need for a direct connection between the food grain distribution system and farmers, as well as farmer producer companies, to ensure food security. By establishing 2 to 5 farmer producer companies in each of Maharashtra’s 32,000 villages and connecting them to government schemes, employment opportunities and financial strength can be achieved in rural areas. The commission’s instructions, if implemented, can help prevent farmer suicides and strengthen the rural economy.
The Chief Ministers of Haryana and Punjab, joined by Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, deliberated on the Sutlej-Yamuna Link Canal (SYL) matter and the declining groundwater levels in both states. The Haryana Chief Minister stressed the imperative of building the SYL for consistent water flow, pointing out the aging Bhakhra Channel and underscoring the significance of addressing water management issues in South Haryana and the Aravalli region. The disagreement from Punjab regarding the SYL construction was underscored. Haryana proposed the formation of a joint committee to address water management issues, including the SYL. Haryana’s share of water being redirected to Pakistan was also mentioned.
