Scheme Implemented for Provision of Grants for Horticulture Crop Farming to Promote Horticulture and Increase Farmers’ Income
Chandigarh, September 28 – The Haryana Government has implemented the ‘Grant Provision for Horticulture Crop Cultivation’ scheme with the objective of promoting horticulture in the state and increasing the income of farmers.
A spokesperson for the Department of Horticulture, Haryana, while providing detailed information in this regard, stated that the government is providing heavy subsidies to the farmers of the state for cultivating fruits, vegetables, flowers, spices, and aromatic plants. Under this scheme, application and grant limits have also been set, according to which a maximum benefit of up to 5 acres can be availed for establishing new fruit orchards and spice cultivation. Meanwhile, for vegetable farming, general category farmers can avail benefits up to a maximum of 5 acres and scheduled category farmers up to 1 acre, whereas for the cultivation of flowers and aromatic plants, this limit has been fixed at 5 acres.
Elaborating further on the grant amount, the spokesperson informed that farmers establishing new orchards will receive a grant ranging from ₹24,500 to ₹1,40,000 per acre. For vegetable cultivation, a grant at the rate of ₹15,000 per acre for the general category and ₹25,500 per acre for the scheduled category will be provided, which will be payable only upon adopting integrated models such as mulching, low tunnels, drip irrigation, or bamboo staking. Similarly, grants have been fixed at ₹15,000 to ₹30,000 per acre for spice farming, ₹8,000 to ₹40,000 per acre for flower farming, and ₹8,000 per acre for the cultivation of aromatic plants. To ensure transparency, the entire grant amount will be transferred directly to the beneficiary farmer’s bank account.
The spokesperson further added that registration on the ‘Meri Fasal-Mera Byora’ portal and ‘Hortnet’ is mandatory to avail benefits under the scheme. Along with this, applicants must possess personal details, Parivar Pehchan Patra (Family ID), complete bank account details (account number, bank name, branch, and IFSC code), and, if required, a Scheduled Category Certificate.
Appealing to all interested farmers in the state to maximize the benefits of this scheme, he stated that for detailed information, farmers can contact their respective District Horticulture Officer or call the toll-free number 1800-180-2021. Additionally, information can also be obtained through the departmental website www.hortharyana.gov.in or via email at horticulture@hry.nic.in.
Breastfeeding Awareness: Women and Child Development Department Issues Special Guidelines for Optimal Health of Mother and Child
Chandigarh, September 28 – A special ‘Breastfeeding Awareness’ campaign is being run by the Department of Women and Child Development, Government of Haryana, with the objective of promoting better health and nutrition for newborns and mothers.
Providing information in this regard, a departmental spokesperson stated that mother’s milk is the baby’s first vaccine, first meal, and first love, which plays a crucial role in the child’s overall development. He informed that breastfeeding is beneficial not only for the child but also for the mother’s health. Highlighting the benefits to the mother, he said that breastfeeding helps the uterus return to normal size faster, reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, assists in weight loss, and strengthens the emotional bond between mother and child.
Furthermore, it is also economically helpful, as mother’s milk is always clean, safe, and easily available. Mentioning its benefits for the baby, he explained that it provides natural immunity to protect the child from diseases, aids in brain development, and provides every essential nutrient in appropriate proportions. It is easily digestible, reducing the risk of allergies, diarrhea, and infections, and remains available as a safe and ready-to-use food source at all times.
Sharing detailed guidelines on when and how to breastfeed, the spokesperson stated that breastfeeding should be initiated immediately after birth, within one hour. Following this, for the first 6 months, the child should be exclusively breastfed. After completing 6 months, along with the introduction of appropriate complementary foods, breastfeeding should be continued and can be sustained until the child reaches 2 years of age or beyond.
Offering essential advice for nursing mothers, the spokesperson advised that mothers should eat clean and nutritious food themselves and consume adequate fluids. Along with this, it is essential for mothers to get complete rest, refrain from smoking, alcohol, or any form of intoxicants, and thoroughly clean their hands before breastfeeding. He also appealed to family members to extend full support and encouragement to nursing mothers.
Delivering the message, “Mother’s milk is priceless – adopt it, secure the child’s future,” the spokesperson added that for any assistance or information, one can contact the Women Helpline number 181 or the Child Helpline number 1098. Detailed information is also available on the departmental website www.wcdhry.gov.in.
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