Haryana Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Sh Shyam Singh Rana said that agricultural statistics play a crucial role in assessing employment opportunities within the agricultural sector. To facilitate this, a digital cell will be established. He said that by giving full attention to agriculture, much of the unemployment in the state could be addressed through farming, and this can only be achieved with the cooperation of all stakeholders.
Sh Shyam Singh Rana made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the National Workshop on Agricultural Statistics-2025, held in Panchkula today. He mentioned that Haryana is an agriculture-based state, with about 60 percent of its population dependent on farming. Agriculture not only ensures food security but also serves as the foundation for the livelihoods of millions of farmers across the country.
He highlighted that different types of crops are grown in various regions of the state, each with its own significance. He acknowledged that although yields were initially lower, natural farming practices have since proven to be much more beneficial for health.
He urged officials to prioritize organic farming over simply increasing crop yields, encouraging a shift toward more sustainable and health-conscious agricultural practices.The Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister stated that the primary objective of the workshop is to enhance agricultural statistics and introduce new technologies that align with the needs of farmers.
He said that the gathering was not only to discuss the current state of agriculture but also to identify solutions that would ensure its ongoing development and stability. He further highlighted that agricultural statistics play a vital role in measuring and assessing the progress of the agricultural sector.
These statistics provide insights into various aspects, such as crop production, the Prime Minister’s Crop Insurance Scheme, agricultural income, and employment opportunities within the agricultural sector. He explained that agricultural statistics are instrumental in evaluating the impact of agricultural policies and in forecasting production trends, which in turn helps both farmers and the government make informed decisions.
He mentioned that under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini, numerous schemes are being implemented for the benefit of farmers. These include initiatives such as Meri Fasal Mera Byora, direct sowing of paddy, natural farming, crop residue management, bhawantar bharpai, Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, and soil health programs. He emphasized that farmers are deriving significant benefits from these schemes.
The Additional Chief Secretary of the Agriculture Department, Raja Shekhar Vundru, stated that farming is being carried out on about 90 lakh acres of land in the state. He acknowledged that Haryana has made substantial contributions to the Green Revolution and continues to play a pivotal role in the agricultural sector.
During the workshop, Director Agriculture Department, Raj Narayan Kaushik, Special Secretary Munish Nagpal, Joint Director RK Solanki, Rajiv Kumar Mishra, Pallavi from the Union Ministry of Agriculture, and other officials also shared their insights and experiences.