Haryana to establish 2,000-acre natural farming cluster in Kurukshetra

Kurukshetra: In a major push towards sustainable agriculture, the Haryana government has announced the development of a 2,000-acre natural farming cluster in Kurukshetra district. The initiative is aimed at promoting chemical-free cultivation, improving soil health and enhancing farmers' income through environmentally sustainable farming practices.

The announcement was made by Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini during a state-level workshop on natural farming and cluster development held in Kurukshetra. The proposed cluster will be developed under a Smart Agriculture Programme in collaboration with Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (HAU), Hisar.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said the state government is committed to encouraging farming systems that reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides while ensuring long-term agricultural sustainability. He noted that natural farming not only helps restore soil fertility but also contributes to the production of healthier food and the conservation of natural resources.

As part of its broader strategy to expand natural farming, the government has decided to make around 800 acres of Agriculture Department land available for farmers willing to practice natural farming for at least ten years. The move is expected to encourage more cultivators to transition from conventional farming methods to natural farming systems.

The state government is also exploring the possibility of introducing a policy to promote natural and organic farming on panchayat-owned land. Officials believe such a policy could significantly increase the area under sustainable cultivation and create model farming clusters across rural Haryana.

To support farmers adopting natural farming, the government plans to strengthen infrastructure related to certification, quality testing and marketing of naturally grown produce. Dedicated testing laboratories, certification mechanisms and market linkages are expected to help farmers secure better prices and build consumer confidence in natural farming products.

Addressing the gathering, Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, a prominent advocate of natural farming, highlighted the adverse effects of excessive chemical usage in agriculture. He stressed the need for restoring soil health and urged farmers to adopt natural farming techniques to ensure long-term productivity and environmental protection.

According to official data, nearly 23,930 farmers in Haryana have been verified under the state's natural farming programme, covering more than 44,000 acres. The state has also established training centres in Kurukshetra, Karnal, Jind and Sirsa to provide technical guidance and capacity-building support to farmers.

More than 12,000 individuals, including farmers, women farmers, agricultural officers and field functionaries, have reportedly received training in various aspects of natural farming through these centres. The training programmes focus on the preparation of natural inputs, soil management, crop nutrition and pest control practices.

Agriculture experts participating in the workshop observed that cluster-based natural farming can help create a stronger ecosystem for knowledge sharing, input availability, certification and marketing. Such clusters also make it easier for government agencies to provide technical support and monitor outcomes.

The 2,000-acre Kurukshetra cluster is expected to serve as a model for future natural farming projects in Haryana. The initiative aligns with the state's objective of expanding the area under natural farming and promoting climate-resilient agricultural systems that can improve farm profitability while protecting the environment.

With growing consumer demand for residue-free and sustainably produced food, Haryana's latest initiative is being viewed as a significant step towards mainstreaming natural farming and creating new market opportunities for farmers across the state.