Haryana to promote organic farming: Khattar

Chandigarh: Haryana government will promote organic farming in the state and 10 per cent of the total cultivable area will be brought under it, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said on Saturday.

"The state government has decided to promote organic farming in the state. For giving advice in this direction, an advisory committee of specialists will be constituted soon," Khattar said here.

The brand name 'Haryana Fresh' has been registered and under it, organic food would be provided to people along with beverages, he said while addressing farmers at the three-day National Organic Farming Convention here.

Khattar said that the government would encourage organic farming on 10 per cent of the total cultivable area in the state which would be further carried out in a phased manner.

He said consumers alongwith farmers should also become aware in this direction so that they would use organic items in their households.

While referring to declining land holdings in agriculture, the Chief Minister said that the state should also focus on diversification of farming along with traditional crops.

Earlier, Agriculture Minister, OP Dhankar said the green revolution had first hit Haryana and Punjab in the country and "quality" of food grains was affected with increased quantity.

He said with a view to increase the income of farmers, the State Government is going to introduce 'Gau Sanrakshan Aur Gau Samwardhan' scheme under which rearing of indigenous cows would be promoted.