KARNAL: In a major push to strengthen research, innovation, and technical expertise within the agricultural sector, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced the introduction of new master’s degree and PhD programs specializing in post-harvest management, plant pest control, and plant diseases.
The Chief Minister made the announcement on Thursday during the inaugural session of a national conference in Karnal, organized jointly by Maharana Pratap Horticulture University and the Lieutenant Amit Memorial Foundation. The conference focused on the theme, “Strategic Paradigm of Quality Seeds and Planting Material for Horticultural Crops in Amritkaal.”
Empowering Farmers with Scientific Infrastructure As part of the state’s expanding agricultural infrastructure, Chief Minister Saini dedicated 14 new Horticulture Science Centres under Maharana Pratap Horticulture University. He stated that these centers will serve as vital links to the farming community, providing access to advanced technologies, high-quality planting material, and direct scientific guidance.
During the event, Saini presented shields, shawls, and certificates of appreciation to prominent horticulture scientists and progressive farmers for their contributions. In turn, University Vice-Chancellor Suresh Kumar Malhotra felicitated the Chief Minister and other visiting dignitaries with statues of Maharana Pratap.
Addressing Structural Gaps in Production Reflecting on India’s global standing, Saini noted that the nation is the world’s second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables, with annual horticultural outputs surpassing 360 million tonnes.
“Today, India is among the world leaders in the production of fruits such as mango, banana, guava and pomegranate, as well as vegetables including potato and onion,” Saini said. “However, despite high production, the country continues to suffer major economic losses due to deficiencies in quality, grading, disease-free planting material and post-harvest management.”
The Chief Minister recalled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the university’s main campus on December 9, 2024. He lauded the institution for achieving rapid milestones in training programs, research, and farmer outreach, which are driving Haryana’s ongoing agricultural revolution.
Target 2030: Expanding Haryana’s Horticulture Highlighting the economic targets of the state, Saini stated that the global agricultural community recognizes that quality seeds and modern supply chains can increase crop productivity by 15% to 25%. To aggressively enhance farmers’ income, the Haryana government has set a target to double the state’s total horticulture sector acreage and triple its overall production by 2030.
Saini concluded by reminding the gathering that Haryana has already established 13 specialized centers of excellence for horticulture and remains committed to financial security for cultivators, having fixed protected prices for 21 horticultural crops under the state’s flagship Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana.
