Haryana CM: Youth Embrace Farming, New Horticulture Center

Jhajjar, Jun 18 (PTI) Farming has turned into a business avenue, offering new opportunities with the use of technological tools, including drones, artificial intelligence, data analytics, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said, as he called upon the youth to take up agriculture.

Technologies such as drones, artificial intelligence, data analytics, smart sensors, digital marketing, and e-commerce are opening new opportunities, the chief minister said at the inauguration of a horticulture research centre in Raiya in Jhajjar on Wednesday.

The Rs 13.27-crore research centre at Raiya, along with a seed production technology centre of excellence set up at Munimpur, Badli, with an investment of Rs 8.50 crore, would play a significant role in providing farmers with modern technologies, advanced research, and quality planting material, giving fresh momentum to the horticulture sector in the state, Saini said.

Calling upon the youth to embrace agriculture as a business opportunity, the chief minister said agriculture today has evolved far beyond traditional farming.

Saini also inaugurated and dedicated seven other development projects worth Rs 53.60 crore to the public. These include the Jhajjar Mini Secretariat and Residential Complex, new buildings for government schools in various villages, and water projects for Saundhi and Nimana villages.

The research centre at Raiya, spread over 100 acres, would serve not only as a research institution but also as a bridge between farmers, scientists, and modern technologies, he said.

The centre's laboratories will focus on developing improved and climate-resilient varieties of fruits, vegetables, and flowers, while conducting research on water conservation, productivity enhancement, quality improvement, and pest and disease management.


The chief minister expressed confidence that technologies developed here would help reduce farming costs, increase productivity, and boost farmers' incomes.

Also, he said the seed production technology centre of excellence at Munimpur will provide farmers with better production and marketing opportunities through innovation, advanced technologies, and international collaboration.

The programme was attended by Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar and his wife Rachel Azar, Haryana Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Shyam Singh Rana, BJP National Secretary Om Prakash Dhankar, and First Secretary at the Israeli Embassy Dr Sara Olga, among others.

During the event, which coincided with the birth anniversary of Maharana Pratap, the chief minister said that Maharana Pratap's life symbolises courage, self-respect, sacrifice, and unwavering determination.

Saini also announced the setting up of a research centre at the Regional Centre of Excellence and Research Centre in Raiya under Maharana Pratap Horticultural University, Karnal, which will focus on local horticultural produce and medicinal plants.

The Haryana government is working on a new cold-chain policy to strengthen storage facilities, stabilise prices, and promote exports, he said.

Israeli Ambassador Azar expressed confidence that the Raiya Horticulture Research Centre and the Munimpur Centre of Excellence would play a vital role in transferring modern technologies, advanced cultivation practices, and research outcomes to farmers.

The ambassador said that India and Israel would continue strengthening cooperation in innovation, water conservation, productivity enhancement, and farmers' prosperity in the coming years.