The Haryana government on Tuesday said it has decided to open an agro business school to skill farmers and help them understand market trends with the changing scenario, and sell their produce directly to consumers.
Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Om Prakash Dhankar said this while speaking as a chief guest in the ‘Kisan Sangoshthi’ organised on the concluding day of 12th CII Agrotech-2016, here on Tuesday.
He said that keeping in view the demand of the market, the farmers should adopt the crop cycle and crop management practices.
He said an international fruits and vegetable terminus in Ganaur was being set up according to the geographical location of the State and emphasis would be laid on better packaging, minimum loss management and transportation management.
A Special Purpose Vehicle was being set up for this, he added.
He said owners of various big companies are selling their produce by setting up stalls in the Agro-tech, therefore, farmers should also change their thinking and start selling their produce themselves in the market.
The Minister said that in order to divert the attention of farmers towards horticulture and other cash crops, a proposal has been prepared to implement the idea of peri-agriculture in the National Capital Region (NCR) so that the demand of milk, dairy products, fruits, vegetables of the area could be met.
Farmers were being provided gypsum and other nutrients on subsidised rates under ‘Bhoomi Sudhar Karyakram’ so that fertility of the land could be preserved.
A new technique of agriculture was being developed so that per acre income of a farmer could be minimum Rs one lakh, he added.
The Minister said that after a long time, the Central Government has given approval for opening a horticulture university in the country. PTI
