Haryana implementing schemes to rise production of pulses:Min

Haryana government today said it is implementing two schemes to increase the production of pulses in the state.
Two schemes namely 'National Food Security Mission-Pulses' and 'Additional Area Coverage for Increasing Pulses Production Programme' on Centre and state sharing basis with a ratio of (60:40) are being implemented to increase the output of pulses, Haryana Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister O P Dhankar said.
He said this in a reply during the question hour in the state Secretariat here.
A budget of over Rs 8.91 crore under the scheme National Food Security Mission-Pulses has been earmarked for the year 2016-17 to increase the production and productivity through incentives in the form of subsidized seeds, pesticides, micro-nutrients, gypsum, farm implements and sprinkler sets, the minister informed.

Further, he informed that Rs 415.85 lakh have been allocated for cultivation of fresh fruits and vegetables under the Good Agricultural Practices Scheme, of which Rs 382.25 lakh have been spent.
In another reply, Dhankar said that awareness among farmers and general public regarding safe and judicious use of chemicals is being enhanced through various programmes like Kisan Melas, Kisan Goshthies, Farmers Field Schools, seminars, awareness campaigns, advertisements and electronic media.

Apart from this, use of bio-pesticides, organic farming, integrated pest management and integrated nutrient management is being promoted, he said.
State-level training and seminars are being organised in which participants comprising vegetable growers, pesticide dealers, vegetable vendors and consumers are educated about the use of neem-based pesticides which are safer to use.

In addition, sampling of soil, water, fruits and vegetables is being regularly carried out to analyse the effect of pesticides residue on those, he added.
He said that inspections and raids are frequently being carried out on premises or godowns of fruit sellers and vegetable shops and markets to check the usage of chemicals for ripening the fruits and artificial colouring material and shining agent to colour fruits and vegetables.
The minister also said that raids and inspections of sale outlets like Kiryana merchants, dairy owners or other outlets where oxytocin products are stocked, sold and used are being conducted.