Agriculture and water saving techniques

September 16 - In order to encourage the farmers to adopt different water saving techniques suited to their field conditions, Haryana Agriculture Department has decided to give assistance to the farmers to lay underground pipeline system, installation of sprinkle irrigation system and construction of tanks.
While stating this here today, a spokesman of the Agriculture Department said that the groundwater in most part of the state was brackish which was unfit for irrigating the field crops. The brackish water could be used effectively by mixing fresh water available in tanks. Sprinkle and drip irrigation could also be used for this purpose.
He said that the State Government has implemented a scheme "Water Saving Technologies" and had earmarked a sum of Rs. 2.25 crore to help the farmers to adopt such advanced practices for the effective use of brackish water mixed with fresh water to irrigate their crops. Assistance was being provided to the farmers to effectively use the brackish water by mixing fresh water through canals in the tank. He said that similarly farmers were also provided assistance to lay underground pipeline system and sprinkle irrigation system.
He said that recognizing the need to promote sustainable agriculture in the State that replenishes soil health, environmentally sound and water conserving as well as economically attractive to the farmers a new scheme for promotion of sustainable Agriculture-Strategic initiatives was being implemented by the State Government. The four components of the scheme included promotion of green manuring and organic farming, extension through mass media and modernization, integration and computerization of soil, water and seed testing facilities. A sum of Rs. 8 crore has been earmarked for the implementation of this scheme during the current financial year.
He said another scheme for the promotion of crop diversification was also being implemented to promote pulse crop particularly summer moong in paddy-wheat areas to provide an alternate crop to summer paddy growers. An area of 40,000 hectares was proposed to be covered under summer moong which would require 12000 quintals of seed. Subsidy at the rate of 50 per cent on the cost of seed with a maximum limit of Rs.15000 per quintal was provided to the farmers. The crop of cultivation of sunflower would also be promoted under diversification programme.