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Haryana clears agri policy as INLD protests
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 14
The Haryana Government on Wednesday approved a comprehensive agriculture policy aimed at attaining inclusive growth exceeding four per cent in the farm sector, but deferred the agenda item on concessions for state residents at toll plazas as the model code was in force.

The INLD took strong exception to the holding of a Cabinet meeting before the May 15 repoll in eight booths of Gurgaon constituency. “This is a blatant violation of the model code of conduct. The Election Commission is urged to take note of this immediately and direct the Haryana Government not to hold this meeting and if it has already taken place, then the decisions taken be kept in abeyance,” INLD general secretary RS Choudhry said in a communication to state Chief Electoral Officer.

Addressing a press conference after chairing the Cabinet meeting, Hooda said agriculture continued to play a major role in the state’s economy by providing employment to more than 60 per cent of the population. He said another Cabinet meeting would be convened in the coming week to decide on toll plaza concessions. The state government committed itself to ensuring uninterrupted power supply for eight hours a day to farmers, focus on productivity of allied sectors such as horticulture crops, livestock, fisheries and poultry and promoting dairy-based integrated farming system.

Hooda said the policy would focus on ensuring efficient credit and delivery systems, reforms in marketing system and safety net programmes, more emphasis on processing and value addition, agricultural research and development and empowerment of women.

"This is probably the first time that a state has come out with a policy dedicated to agriculture. We will make all efforts for its effective implementation so as to ensure increased income and profitability for improved livelihood of farmers of the state," Hooda said. The policy would be formulated with the help of Haryana Kisan Ayog.

The policy would also focus on improving water use efficiency by promoting micro-irrigation and other water saving devices. Greater emphasis will be laid on producing more grains per drop of water.

On crop productivity, the Chief Minister said that the policy would narrow existing yield gaps, lay special focus on timely sowing and planting of crops as well as promotion of inter-cropping. It will also promote crop diversification and also strengthen agro-forestry.

No decision on toll tax

• The Cabinet deferred its decision on concessions for state residents at toll plazas as the model code is in force
• The decisions taken include renaming National Law University, Sonepat, as Dr BR Ambedkar National Law University
• Ex-post facto sanction to hand over the Faridabad ESI Hospital to ESI Corporation
• Nod to Rs 130.8 crore for extending the Metro from Faridabad’s YMCA Chowk to Badarpur.