Chandigarh (Haryana) [India], June 5 (HBTV): In a major step towards enhancing agricultural productivity and promoting sustainable practices, the Haryana State Level Sanctioning Committee under the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) has approved an annual plan worth INR 1,267.49 crore for the year 2025–26.

The meeting, chaired by Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi, aims to steer the state's agriculture and horticulture sectors towards innovation, efficiency, and long-term resilience. The approved plan will now be submitted to the Union Ministry of Agriculture for final clearance.

A significant highlight of this year's plan is the government's emphasis on on-farm water management, in response to the worsening groundwater crisis in districts such as Karnal, Kaithal, Kurukshetra, Panipat, Sonipat, and Yamunanagar.

As part of this initiative, Underground Pipeline (UGPL) systems will be promoted on a large scale. These systems are expected to reduce water wastage, conserve energy, and improve irrigation efficiency. Farmers adopting UGPLs will be provided with substantial financial assistance. The broader goal is to expand net irrigated areas, reduce input costs, and ensure sustainable water use in agriculture.

The plan also includes several forward-looking initiatives that promote natural farming, mechanisation, and scientific innovation. Under natural farming, a vegetable-centric integrated farming model will be introduced to encourage crop diversification and enhance soil health. The government also plans to establish advanced laboratories for developing fruit fly traps, and research and training centres for mechanisation in rapeseed and mustard cultivation.

Mushroom farming has been highlighted as an eco-friendly livelihood option. A central mushroom unit will be established at the Regional Research Station (RRS), Karnal, and connected with Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) for field-level training. This initiative, coordinated by Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (CCSHAU), Hisar, aims to boost entrepreneurship among small and marginal farmers, particularly landless labourers, while enhancing nutritional security through protein-rich mushrooms cultivated using agricultural waste like straw and sawdust.

The INR 1,267.49 crore allocation is distributed across major agricultural and research institutions. The Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department will implement ten projects worth INR 45.12 crore, while the Horticulture Department has been allotted INR 27.26 crore for two projects. CCSHAU, Hisar, will carry out eight projects worth INR 10.15 crore. Maharana Pratap Horticultural University, Karnal, has received INR 75.63 lakh for three projects. The Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research (IIWBR), Karnal, will implement four projects worth INR 18.21 crore, and the Central Soil Salinity Research Institute (CSSRI), Karnal, will oversee five projects worth INR 14.30 crore. The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Karnal, has been allocated INR 27.90 crore for ten projects.

Under the Annual Action Plan (AAP), several major schemes have been approved through merged schemes under the RKVY Cafeteria. These include the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) with an outlay of INR 89.90 crore, Crop Residue Management (CRM) with INR 250.75 crore, Soil Health Card and Fertility with INR 16.25 crore, Crop Diversification Programme with INR 47.92 crore, Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) with INR 9.68 crore, and Per Drop More Crop with INR 415.98 crore.

Additionally, under the Krishonnati Yojana, financial allocations have been made for key national missions: National Food Security and Nutrition Mission (INR 47.97 crore), National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds (INR 24.17 crore), Sub-Mission on Seed and Planting Material (INR 6 crore), ATMA Scheme (Agricultural Extension Services) (INR 38.15 crore), and the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) with INR 177 crore.

(ANI)