Haryana: Agriculture | HPSC Preparation: All subjects - HPSC (Haryana) PDF Download

Introduction

Haryana, despite recent industrial growth, predominantly thrives as an agricultural state, with approximately 70% of its residents engaged in farming. It is a major contributor to India's food grain pool, being self-sufficient in production. Key crops include wheat, rice, sugarcane, cotton, oilseeds, gram, barley, corn, and millet, categorized into Rabi and Kharif seasons. The state played a pivotal role in the Green Revolution, with the Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University in Hisar being a crucial player.

Strengths

Haryana's hardworking farmers practice mixed farming, excelling in Basmati rice cultivation due to favorable climate. Approximately two-thirds of the state has assured irrigation, ideal for rice-wheat production. Proximity to the National Capital Region facilitates market access. Major crops include rice, wheat, rapeseed, mustard, bajra, cotton, and sugarcane. The state offers diversification opportunities, famed breeds like Murrah buffalo, and potential in horticulture, dairying, poultry, fishery, and agro-forestry. Government policies are supportive, and the state's infrastructure is advantageous for farmers.

Major Issues in Agriculture of Haryana

Despite successes, challenges persist, such as shrinking agricultural land, soil salinity, imbalanced fertilizer use, and climate hardships. Productivity gaps exist in crops, horticulture, and livestock, with deficits in vegetables, fruits, and pulses. Total factor productivity has slowed, emphasizing the need for attention to land reforms, infrastructure, natural resource management, and farmer-centric services.

Way Ahead in Agriculture of Haryana

Land Related Issues

• Protect cultivable land from non-agricultural use.
• Divert only less productive land for non-agricultural purposes.
• Prioritize soil health and organic recycling.
• Revisit land reform rules for effectiveness.
• Ensure scientific land use for optimal productivity.

Improving Water Use Efficiency

• Promote in situ water harvesting.
• Discourage flood irrigation, encourage micro-irrigation.
• Implement Water User Associations for proper water use.
• Enforce groundwater regulations.
• Timely completion of irrigation projects.
• Economic pricing of water for efficient use.
• Implement laser land leveling and water delivery systems.
• Recharge aquifers and manage floodwater.

Bio-resource Management

• Prohibit crop residue burning.
• Ensure continuous electricity supply.
• Reasonable pricing of energy.
• Use renewable and non-conventional energy.
• Maximize cow dung utilization.
• Develop organized markets for timber.
• Conserve agrobiodiversity.

Meeting Crop Productivity Challenges

• Reduce the gap between actual and potential yields.
• Develop stress-tolerant plant varieties.
• Enhance high-quality seed production.
• Increase investment in research and development.
• Encourage crop diversification.

Meeting the Productivity Challenges

• Expand hybrid cultivation.
• Promote protected cultivation.
• Develop functional foods using fruits, vegetables, and indigenous flora.
• Focus on horticulture in arid regions.
• Emphasize mushroom production and honey bee pollination.