Experts stress crop diversification, water conservation and integrated farming to enhance farmers’ income and sustainability

Yamunanagar | Pen of Democracy News Desk

The Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Damla, operating under Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (CCSHAU), Hisar, successfully organised its 31st Annual Scientific Advisory Committee Meeting to formulate strategies for strengthening agricultural development in Yamunanagar district.

The meeting was chaired by Dr Naresh Kaushik, Director of Extension Education, CCSHAU, Hisar. Discussions focused on preparing the action plan for 2026-27 in line with the district’s agricultural needs, accelerating the adoption of modern farming technologies and developing effective strategies to improve farmers’ income.

At the outset, KVK Coordinator Dr Sandeep Rawal presented a detailed report on the centre’s achievements during 2025-26, highlighting farmer training programmes, frontline demonstrations, technical advisory services, women and youth empowerment initiatives and several innovative interventions undertaken for the farming community.

Presenting the roadmap for the coming year, Dr Rawal said the centre would prioritise water conservation, natural resource management, climate-resilient agriculture, crop diversification, natural and organic farming, value addition and sustainable agricultural practices.

Scientists from various disciplines also presented departmental achievements and future programmes.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Naresh Kaushik said Krishi Vigyan Kendras play a crucial role not only in transferring agricultural technologies but also in providing scientific solutions to the real challenges faced by farmers. He emphasised that coordinated efforts among scientists, government departments and farmers are essential to make agriculture more profitable, sustainable and environmentally friendly.

He urged the KVK to ensure that its programmes equally benefit landless farmers, marginal and small cultivators, women and rural youth, while promoting agriculture as a viable source of employment and entrepreneurship.

Encouraging diversification beyond the conventional wheat-paddy cycle, he advised farmers to adopt pulses, oilseeds, millets, horticulture, vegetable cultivation, medicinal and aromatic plants, agroforestry and integrated farming systems involving dairy, beekeeping and mushroom cultivation to reduce risks and increase income.

Dr Maha Singh, Regional Director of the Regional Research Centre, Uchani (Karnal), appreciated KVK Damla’s contribution towards agricultural development and suggested developing agroforestry-based farming models considering Yamunanagar’s strong plywood and timber industry. He also stressed strengthening climate-based advisory services and research to help farmers adapt to changing weather conditions.

Highlighting the importance of efficient water use, he encouraged farmers to adopt drip and sprinkler irrigation systems, noting that the government provides subsidies of up to 85 per cent for micro-irrigation and financial assistance for horticulture under various schemes.

Concluding the meeting, Dr Sandeep Rawal assured participants that all recommendations would be incorporated into the centre’s future action plan to make agriculture more productive, sustainable and future-ready.

The meeting was attended by farmer representatives, officials from various departments, District Horticulture Officer Dr Dilbag Leetani, Farmer Club President S.P. Singh, members of the Scientific Advisory Committee and KVK scientists, including Dr Anil Kumar, Dr Vishal Goyal, Dr Aradhana Bali, Dr Asma Khan and Dr Karan Singh.

DHBVN to Hold Weekly Electricity Courts Across Yamunanagar Circle

The Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN) has announced the launch of weekly Electricity Courts across the Yamunanagar Circle to ensure faster resolution of consumer grievances and improve public service delivery.

Superintending Engineer Maninder Singh said Electricity Courts will continue to be held every Tuesday at the Yamunanagar Circle office, while all Executive Engineer (XEN) offices across the district will now organise similar grievance redressal sessions every Thursday from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.

He said all complaints received during these sessions will be recorded separately and monitored for timely resolution.

According to the department, instructions have already been issued to all Executive Engineers, making it mandatory for concerned officers to remain present during the grievance hearings. No departmental meetings will be scheduled during the designated hours to ensure that officials are fully available to address consumer complaints.

Maninder Singh said every complaint will be compiled and forwarded to the DHBVN headquarters for regular monitoring. Officers who fail to resolve grievances within a reasonable timeframe may face departmental action.

The initiative is aimed at improving accountability, enhancing consumer satisfaction and ensuring prompt resolution of electricity-related issues across the district.

POD/DESK