Chandigarh : On the occasion of the 555th Prakash Parv of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, here today, presented a special gift to the state's farmers by releasing a bonus of Rs 300 crore. With a single click, the amount was directly transferred to the bank accounts of 2.62 lakh farmers.
Interacting with the media persons on this occasion, the Chief Minister said that keeping the interests of the farmers paramount, the State Government has decided to give a bonus of Rs 2000 per acre on agricultural and horticultural crops being produced in the state due to adverse weather conditions during Kharif-2024. On August 16, 2024, the Chief Minister transferred a bonus of Rs 496 crore as the first installment, directly into the accounts of 5.80 lakh farmers through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
He said that this bonus will be given to all those farmers who have registered themselves on the Meri Fasal Mera Byora portal. A total amount of Rs 1380 crore is to be given to the farmers. So far, payment has been made in two installments. As part of the third installment, an amount of Rs 580 crore will be transferred to the bank accounts of the remaining 4.94 lakh farmers through DBT in the next 10 to 15 days.
The Chief Minister launched the distribution of Soil Health Cards to the farmers
Taking another initiative for the farmers today, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini today launched the distribution of 40 lakh Soil Health Cards through WhatsApp. This initiative has been introduced to address delays in the distribution of the printed cards, which were preventing farmers from utilizing the recommendations on time. Now, soil health cards will be directly sent to farmers' mobile numbers through WhatsApp as soon as the results of their soil tests are uploaded to the online portal.
He said that soil testing is conducted every three years in the state to provide farmers with vital information, including the quantity of seeds required and the appropriate use of fertilizers, helping to boost crop yields. By receiving timely soil health cards, farmers will be encouraged to apply fertilizers based on actual soil requirements. The quick distribution of these cards will not only increase their usage among farmers but also contribute to enhanced productivity and income.
It is noteworthy that Haryana initiated its first detailed soil fertility assessment study in the year 2021-22, with the goal of providing a soil health card for every acre of agricultural land in the state. Under this scheme, soil samples are being collected from each acre of agricultural land, tested, and Soil Health Cards are being issued to farmers. These cards offer valuable guidance on the optimal use of fertilizers, advising farmers on the right type and quantity of fertilizers to apply for each crop, helping them achieve maximum yield and improve net returns.
The soil health cards play a crucial role in increasing farmers' income and reducing input costs. By following the fertilizer recommendations outlined in the Soil Health Cards, farmers will be discouraged from overusing nitrogen fertilizers, thereby promoting balanced nutrition for crops. This approach not only helps in improving crop yield but also ensures the reduction of nutrient deficiencies in both animals and humans. Additionally, minimizing the excessive use of fertilizers will contribute to mitigating the impact of climate change and protect the environment.
Haryana has a wide extensive network of soil testing facilities, ensuring easy access for farmers across the state. With soil testing laboratories available within a 20-25 kilometer radius, there are a total of 106 laboratories where soil samples are tested. These laboratories are equipped with the latest technology. Additionally, the department has developed its own dedicated portal, where personalized fertilizer recommendations for crops are generated and provided to farmers in the form of soil health cards.
MLAs namely Ram Kumar Gautam, Randhir Panihar, Vinod Bhayana and Devendra Kadian were also present on the occasion.