Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has launched the ₹2,738-crore Sustainable Horticulture Promotion Project and laid the foundation stone of the Haryana Agri-Business and Cold Chain Centre, marking a major step towards strengthening horticulture, agri-business, cold chain infrastructure, and agricultural value chains in the state.
The projects were launched in Panchkula on the occasion of World Environment Day. The Sustainable Horticulture Promotion Project is being supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and aims to improve post-harvest management, market access, and infrastructure for horticulture farmers across Haryana.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister said that farmers, youth, women, and modern technology will play a key role in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He emphasized that Haryana aims to become a leading state in horticulture, food processing, agricultural exports, and agri-business.
Focus on Diversification and Sustainable Agriculture
The Chief Minister highlighted that while Haryana played a major role during the Green Revolution, changing climatic conditions, declining groundwater levels, increasing cultivation costs, and shrinking landholdings require farmers to explore diversified farming opportunities.
He said that horticulture crops, fruits, vegetables, spices, medicinal plants, floriculture, mushroom cultivation, and beekeeping offer significant opportunities to enhance farm income and improve agricultural sustainability.
Major Infrastructure Development Planned
Under the Sustainable Horticulture Promotion Project:
- c horticulture clusters will be developed.
- 500 producer groups will be organised and strengthened.
- 402 pack houses and 4 lead pack houses will be established.
- 3 fulfilment centres and 44 retail outlets will be created.
- 1,000 rainwater harvesting structures will be developed.
- Micro-irrigation coverage will be expanded to 65,000 acres.
The project aims to reduce post-harvest losses and strengthen the farm-to-market supply chain through improved infrastructure and logistics.
Technology and International Collaboration
The initiative will integrate advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, real-time monitoring systems, soil and water analysis, geospatial technology, digital agricultural advisory services, e-marketing platforms, and modern packaging solutions.
The Haryana Government also announced collaboration between Maharana Pratap Horticultural University, Karnal, and Kochi University, Japan, to facilitate knowledge exchange and provide access to advanced agricultural research and technologies.
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Haryana Agri-Business and Cold Chain Centre
The Haryana Agri-Business and Cold Chain Centre will serve as a training and capacity-building hub for farmers, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), entrepreneurs, start-ups, and agricultural professionals.
According to the state government, the centre is expected to benefit more than three lakh farmers directly and indirectly, improve supply chain efficiency, and help reduce post-harvest losses.
Relief for Sunflower Farmers
During the programme, the Chief Minister also announced that the registration portal for sunflower procurement would be reopened for 60 days, providing another opportunity for eligible farmers who could not complete their registration earlier.
Strengthening Agricultural Market Connections
As states increasingly focus on horticulture development, value addition, cold chain infrastructure, and stronger farm-to-market systems, efficient coordination among agricultural stakeholders becomes increasingly important.
Platforms like KisanSabha contribute to this ecosystem by helping connect farmers with dealers, transporters, and other stakeholders across the agricultural sector. Improved connectivity can support smoother communication and better coordination as farmers explore opportunities in horticulture, agri-business, and diversified farming activities.
