Motivation through Achievers

Ganaur: It is a well known fact that merely preaching has least impact, but showing models for the same stirs one for the change. Taking a big leap, the Government of Haryana organised the 4th Agri Leadership Summit at International Horticulture Market from February 15 to 17. The Summit mobilised model farmers from all over the state who have done innovative experiments and made farming a profitable venture.

President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind in the presence of Haryana Governor Shri Satyadeo Narain Arya and Chief Minister Shri Manohar Lal felicitated nine innovative farmers, including a woman Smt Neetu Singh from Mahendragarh, with ‘Haryana Krishi Ratna Award’. The President awarded Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (Hisar) with the ‘Haryana Kisan Ratna Award’.

Earlier, the Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare Minister Omprakash Dhankar welcomed the President Shri Kovind and briefed the audience about the activities carried out at the Summit. Chief Minister Shri Manohar Lal said the theme of the Summit was to find ways to double the farmers’ income by 2022.

Addressing the farmers, President Shri Kovind praised Haryana for both the soldiers and farmers who have proven themselves on border as well as in the field of agriculture. He also launched ‘Digital Kisan App’ that provides information about unique initiatives and innovations in the field of agriculture. Shri Kovind said Haryana has truly realised the saying ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’ as most of its families have one son working as a farmer and another as a soldier. He exhorted the stakeholders to work jointly towards creating an atmosphere that could inspire farmers’ children to take up farming enthusiastically. “This would not only enable farmers to become more prosperous but also attract entrepreneurs of other areas to invest in the agriculture sector. Haryana could play a leading role in the nationwide efforts in this direction,” he said.

Appreciating the sincere efforts made by Haryana Government for effective implementation of the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ programme, Shri Kovind said the sex ratio in 2011 was 830 against 1,000 boys but at present it has gone up to 914. “Haryana ranks second in contribution of food grains to the central pool. Owing to its contribution of over 14 crore quintal in the central pool, it can surely be said chhota rajya, bada yogdan (small state, big contribution). It is a matter of pride that Haryana currently ranks second in the country in milk production… it also provides 60 per cent of the Basmati exported by the country,” he added. The President noted that the people and government of Haryana were making efforts for overall development of the state, including in enhancing ease of doing business. He called for locating farming in a wider entrepreneurial context, and linking traditional farming to the agricultural value chain.

On the sidelines of the Summit, discussions were held on various aspects of agriculture in the presence of agriculture scientists, technology experts, senior journalists, progressive farmers and experts from Agro industry sector. The discussion on media was presided over by Chairman of National Book Trust Shri Baldevbhai Sharma. Editor of Outlook Hindi Shri Harbir Singh, anchor in Lok Sabha TV Shri Manoj Verma and other journalists from Dainik Jagran and Dainik Bhaskar also shared their views. Chief News Coordinator of Organiser Dr Pramod Kumar said instead of only raising questions, the media must highlight positive side of the society particularly the good experiments being done in the farm sector.

The Summit also witnessed marvellous paintings by students and various cultural activities displaying the life of farmers in the state.