Union Agri Minister praises state over farm fires, MSP
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan commended Haryana for reducing stubble burning and procuring 23 crops at MSP. He acknowledged the state’s strides in promoting crop diversification and technology-driven solutions for sustainable farming but refrained from commenting on the ongoing farmers’ agitation.
“Haryana has excelled in stubble management and farmers are increasingly aware of its environmental impacts. The state is also promoting crop diversifications,” said Chouhan during his visit to the ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research (IIWBR), where he laid the foundation stone for a microbiome analysis facility and a seed storage structure.
When questioned about the farmers’ protests, Chouhan said, “Farmers’ concerns are always my priority. I meet farmers regularly and their issues are always important to me.” During his district-wide tour, Chouhan visited Sultanpur village, a model for rural development, where he emphasised women empowerment and sustainable growth.
He interacted with women at a self-help group centre and commended the “Drone Didi” initiative after observing a drone demonstration. He also visited a house constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin) and personally engaged with the family. At the NDRI, Chouhan stressed innovation in agriculture and animal husbandry to improve yields, cut costs and ensure fair prices for farmers.
