In a strategic move to strengthen sustainable agriculture and promote natural farming, the Government of Haryana has announced a financial incentive of Rs. 20,000 per farmer to support branding and packaging of naturally grown produce. The announcement was made by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini during a state-level natural farming conference held at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, on the occasion of World Environment Day.
This initiative, part of the state’s ongoing Natural Farming Scheme launched in 2022, is aimed at enhancing the market competitiveness of eco-friendly agricultural products while building a robust supply chain focused on health-conscious and environmentally sustainable practices.
“The Rs. 20,000 support will enable farmers to invest in professional packaging and distinctive branding, thereby improving traceability, building consumer confidence, and ensuring better price realisation for their produce,” said Chief Minister Saini during his address.
As part of a broader plan to institutionalise natural farming, the state government will establish two exclusive mandis dedicated to natural and organic produce. The mandi in Gurugram will focus on grains such as wheat, paddy, and pulses, while the mandi in Hisar will cater to fruits and vegetables. These procurement hubs will streamline supply chains, facilitate direct farmer access to markets, and reduce the influence of intermediaries.
Since the inception of the scheme, 1.84 lakh farmers have registered 2.73 lakh acres under natural farming. Of these, 10,550 farmers have been verified as practicing natural farming on approximately 17,087 acres. The government has set a target to bring 1 lakh acres under natural farming by the financial year 2025–26.
To ensure product quality and compliance with market standards, the state will establish dedicated laboratories for testing pesticide residue and other quality parameters. These services will be offered free of charge to farmers to support certification and build trust among consumers. Additionally, a pricing committee under the Haryana Kisan Kalyan Pradhikaran will be constituted to recommend fair pricing mechanisms for natural farm produce.
Experts and industry stakeholders have welcomed the announcement. Dr. Seema Dahiya, an agricultural policy expert based in Karnal, remarked, “This support for branding and packaging is pivotal in enabling small and marginal farmers to access premium organic markets where product presentation and traceability are essential.”
Sandeep Ahlawat, a millet and organic produce exporter from Sonipat, added, “The state’s focused support on packaging will significantly enhance the global marketability of Haryana’s natural produce, particularly in the European Union and Gulf regions.”
With this forward-looking policy, the Haryana government is demonstrating its commitment to climate-smart, farmer-centric agriculture, setting a precedent for other states seeking to transition toward sustainable and value-added farming systems.Tools
