Rewari (Haryana)/New Delhi, June 30
At the closing ceremony of the “Save the Fields Campaign” and the launch of the Haryana FPO Mission at the Agricultural College, Bawal (Rewari), Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan delivered a strong message on sustainable farming, balanced fertilizer use, and conservation of natural resources. The program was chaired by Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, with Haryana’s Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Dairy, and Fisheries Minister Shyam Singh Rana as the special guest.
Minister Chouhan emphasized that India’s vision of becoming prosperous, powerful, self-reliant, and developed can only be fulfilled when its farmers are prosperous. Reiterating Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to transforming agriculture, he praised Haryana’s policies, noting that the state provides MSP on 24 crops, implements the Bhavantar Payment Scheme, and ensures fair prices for horticulture produce through innovative mechanisms. He highlighted initiatives like “Meri Fasal, Mera Khet, Mera Byaura” and “Mera Pani, Meri Virasat”, saying Haryana is showing the way forward for the nation.
Chouhan reminded farmers that India once had to import red wheat from the U.S., but today, thanks to states like Haryana, the country’s granaries are full. India now ranks first globally in rice production, with Haryana playing a crucial role. He also underlined Haryana’s contribution not only in agriculture but also in national defense and sports, including the Olympics.
Expressing concern over soil health, Chouhan warned against excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides, likening it to over-prescription of medicines by doctors. He urged farmers to rely on soil testing and apply only the required nutrients, cautioning that imbalance could lead to soil degradation, greenhouse gas emissions, and long-term threats to food security.
Highlighting technology’s role, he announced that farmers will soon be able to access soil health card data instantly via mobile apps, enabling precise fertilizer use. He encouraged farmers to experiment with natural farming on a portion of their land, stressing that yields do not necessarily decline when done correctly.
Chouhan also addressed climate change, noting that the government is promoting water-efficient, short-duration crops. He praised Haryana’s policy of offering ₹8,000 per acre incentives for shifting from paddy to pulses.
Declaring that the “Save the Fields Campaign” is now a long-term mission, Chouhan pledged to dedicate at least one day each week to related programs across states, aiming to instill awareness about balanced fertilizers, healthy soil, and sustainable farming.
Concluding the ceremony, he administered a pledge to farmers, women, and youth to join the mission and adopt balanced fertilizer use. He affirmed that under Prime Minister Modi’s vision, the government and farmers together will prepare a roadmap for nationwide agricultural development, with Haryana leading the way.