Relief distribution for crop damage in Haryana soon: Agriculture minister

CHANDIGARH: Haryana government today said the special 'girdawari' to assess damage of cotton, guar, bajra and other Kharif crops by white fly and other pests is almost complete and distribution of compensation would start soon.

"The special 'girdawari' to assess the damage caused by white fly and other pests on crops was almost over and disbursing of compensation would start within the next 20 days," Haryana Agriculture Minister, O P Dhankar said.

Stating the state government is committed to increase the income of farmers and make them prosperous, he said, "For this, centres of excellence for fruits and vegetables have been established to encourage them to take up horticulture and cultivation of other cash crops instead of traditional ones."

Dhankar also said, "A Horticulture University is being set up in the state."

An agricultural insurance scheme of Rs 500 crore is being prepared with the support of the Central government, the minister said.

"This scheme would be announced soon. Apart from this, the proposal to promote agricultural tourism is also being considered," he added.