The government of Haryana has decided to discourage paddy crop sowing as the State was staring at a water crisis due to depleting groundwater level.
About the Initiative
- A pilot project will be launched in Yamunanagar, Ambala, Karnal, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind and Sonipat districts where sowing of maize and tur pulses would be promoted by giving incentives to farmers.
- The government estimates that by diversifying the area of non-basmati paddy into maize under this scheme, the total saving of water is expected to be 0.71 crore cm.
- The identified farmers will be incentivized by providing seeds free of cost, financial assistance of Rs 2,000 per acre in two parts.
- Further, the maize crop insurance premium of Rs 766 per hectare under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana will be borne by the government.
- The government will also take necessary steps to procure the maize produce through agencies such as HAFED, Food, and Supply Department at Minimum Support Price.
- Even the tur seeds will also be provided free of cost to the farmers along with financial incentive.
This crop diversification initiative will aid in the conservation of water, electricity and together with improving the health of the soil.