Mera Pani Meri Virasat Yojana: Haryana’s Water-Smart Farming

Introduction: A Looming Water Crisis in Haryana

Did you know that Haryana’s groundwater levels have plummeted to over 35 meters below the surface in many regions? This alarming trend is primarily due to the extensive cultivation of paddy, which demands excessive water. To address this pressing issue, the Haryana government launched the Mera Pani Meri Virasat Yojana — a scheme aimed at promoting water conservation and encouraging farmers to diversify their crops.

Objectives of the Scheme

The primary objectives of the Mera Pani Meri Virasat Yojana are:

Water Conservation: Reduce water usage by shifting from water-intensive crops like paddy to less water-demanding alternatives.
Crop Diversification: Encourage farmers to adopt a variety of crops, enhancing soil fertility and reducing dependency on a single crop.
Sustainable Agriculture: Ensure long-term agricultural productivity by conserving natural resources.

Incentives and Benefits

Under the scheme, farmers are provided with:

₹7,000 per acre incentive for switching from paddy to alternative crops.
80% subsidy on micro-irrigation systems, including drip irrigation, to promote efficient water use.
Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops like maize and pulses, ensuring farmers receive fair compensation.
40% subsidy on machinery for sowing maize, facilitating mechanized farming.

These incentives aim to alleviate the financial burden on farmers transitioning to alternative crops and promote sustainable farming practices.

Eligibility Criteria

To avail of the benefits under the Mera Pani Meri Virasat Yojana, farmers must meet the following criteria:

Residency: Must be a permanent resident of Haryana.
Crop Diversification: At least 50% of the previous year’s paddy area should be converted to alternative crops.
Land Ownership: Must own or lease agricultural land in the designated “dark zone” areas.
Infrastructure: Possession of a functional irrigation system is encouraged.

Online Registration Process

Farmers can register for the scheme through the official portal:

Visit the official website: fasal.haryana.gov.in
Click on the “Farmer Registration” link.
Enter the required details, including Aadhaar number and bank account information.
Submit the application and await verification.

Upon successful registration, the incentive amount will be credited directly to the farmer’s bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Eligible Alternative Crops

Farmers are encouraged to cultivate the following crops as alternatives to paddy:

Maize (Corn)
Arhar (Pigeon Pea)
Urad (Black Gram)
Cotton
Bajra (Pearl Millet)
Sesame
Summer Moong (Baisakhi Moong)

These crops are not only less water-intensive but also offer diverse market opportunities for farmers.

Impact and Success Stories

Since the inception of the scheme, several farmers have successfully transitioned to alternative crops, leading to:

Reduced Water Consumption: Significant decrease in water usage for irrigation.
Increased Income: Higher profitability from diversified crops.
Improved Soil Health: Enhanced soil fertility due to crop rotation.

For instance, farmers in the Sirsa district reported a 30% increase in income after switching to maize and pulses, coupled with the benefits of the scheme.

Challenges and Considerations

While the scheme has shown positive outcomes, some challenges persist:

Awareness: Limited awareness among farmers about the scheme’s benefits and application process.
Infrastructure: Inadequate irrigation facilities in certain areas hindering the adoption of alternative crops.
Market Access: Difficulty in accessing markets for newly introduced crops.

Addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts from both the government and agricultural stakeholders.

Conclusion: A Step Towards Sustainable Farming

The Mera Pani Meri Virasat Yojana stands as a testament to Haryana’s commitment to sustainable agriculture. By incentivizing crop diversification and promoting water conservation, the scheme not only ensures the state’s agricultural viability but also secures water resources for future generations.

Farmers are encouraged to take advantage of this initiative to enhance their productivity and contribute to the state’s environmental well-being.

Contact Information

For more information or assistance:

Helpline Number: 1800-180-2117
Email: agriharyana2009@gmail.com
Website: fasal.haryana.gov.in

Call to Action

Are you a farmer in Haryana looking to transition to sustainable farming practices? Don’t miss out on the benefits of the Mera Pani Meri Virasat Yojana. Visit the official portal today to register and take the first step towards a greener future.