On Tuesday, the Haryana government launched the 'Chaara-Bijaee Yojana' to encourage farmers to cultivate fodder and help gaushalas, who have been suffering from fodder scarcity due to an increase in the number of stray cattle.
Farmers who partner with gaushalas would be entitled to a financial subsidy of 10,000 per acre for up to 10 acres of fodder cultivation under the scheme. From 175 in 2017 to 600 in 2022, the number of cow shelters in the state has increased. Due to a rise in the number of stray cattle, most cow shelters are still congested.
"The money would be transferred to the farmers' bank account through direct benefit transfer," Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister JP Dalal stated.
The state government has taken a lot of steps to help farmers, and the 'Chaara-Bijaee Yojana' is one of them. In April, the state distributed Rs. 13.44 crore to 569 gaushalas for the purchase of fodder."
The minister stated that directions had been issued to resolve three to four-year-old agricultural damage claims disputes.
Dalal stated that cow dung manure (phosphate-rich organic manure) might be used in fields. "Manure is being prepared in Pinjore, Hisar, and Bhiwani gaushalas. It was put to the test in the Haryana Agricultural University's Hisar lab. The horticulture and agriculture departments of HAU will also test this fertilizer. A team has been formed to prepare a report on Prom compost."
According to the minister, a huge market would be built in Ganaur, Haryana. This project has been stalled for 15 to 20 years, and tenders will be issued today.
He stated that the project would cost thousands of crores of rupees and would be Haryana's largest undertaking to date. Tenders have also been issued for the construction of a Horticulture University in Karnal.
In response to an inquiry, Dalal stated that inter-district transportation of fodder was not restricted, and that attempts were being made to lift the interstate ban.
In response to another query, he said that under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, farmers were granted Rs 1,000 crore and Rs 600 crore for crop damage.
