Author: Prof. P. S.Panwar, Adv, B.Sc. Agri, M.Sc. LPM, Ph. D. AH & D, LLB ( Professional) & PGDIPR and Former Principal, College of Agriculture, CCSHAU at Kaul

I.  Strategic Vision

To empower small and marginal farmers through sustainable agricultural practices, technology infusion, policy support, skill development, and market integration, ensuring a dignified livelihood and contribution to national economic resilience.

II.  Challenges Identified

1. Small Land Holdings – 40% farmers hold <1.5 acres.
2. Paddy Straw Management – High cost, burning issues.
3. Irrigation Costs – Tube well installation, electricity issues.
4. Input Accessibility – Quality seed, DAP, labour shortage.
5. Mechanization Cost – Harvester, tractor, implements.
6. Market Gaps – Poor export outlets, MSP absent for many products.
7. Storage Infrastructure – Lack of warehouses/cold chains.
8. Lack of IPR & GI Awareness – Poor protection and branding.
9. Underutilized Schemes – MSME, Start-up India, NABARD, etc.
10. Limited Bio-resource Governance – Poor awareness of the Biodiversity Act/committees.

III.  Multi-Pillar Framework

1. Localised Governance and Farmer Interface

1. Tehsil-Level Expert Committees (under District Collector):

• Agronomist, Horticulturist, Dairy Expert, Marketing Officer, IPR Officer, FPO Representative, Panchayat Member.
  • Role: Identify export-quality agri/dairy products, GI potential, local bio- resources, and viable enterprises.

2.      Village Production Planning Units:

• Ecological zoning (soil, water, biodiversity).
  • Local crop-livestock-forestry mix for optimal productivity.

3.      Common Property Protection Task Force:

• Identify and reclaim encroached village commons (ponds, pastures).

B. Entrepreneurship & Skill Integration

1. ITI Linkages with Agriculture:

• Syllabus on MSME schemes, agri-startups, food tech, and value addition.
  • Mentorship from Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs).

• Farmer Incubation Centers (per district):

• Enable youth-led enterprises on processing, cold-chain, packaging.

3.      Start-up Inventory & Tracker:

• Map startups per tehsil – classify by activity, scale, market.

C.  Technology & Resource Support

1. Frozen Semen Banks at Block Level:

• Indigenous breeds promotion (e.g., Jakhrana Goat, Gir Cow).
  • Link with National Livestock Mission.

2.      Common Machinery Pools:

• Agri-implements & harvesters on rental basis (through FPOs).

3.      Renewable Irrigation Subsidy Model:

• Promote solar pumps + subsidy for irrigation setup.

D.  Legal & Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)

1. District IPR Facilitation Cell (linked to DPIIT & KVK):

• Assist in:

• Trademark & Branding
  • Patent & Design filing (agri tools, storage tech)
  • GI registration of unique crops/products (e.g., Basmati, Kharbuja of Narnaul)

2.      Village IPR Awareness Drives:

• BMC (Biological Management Committee) awareness under State Biodiversity Authority.
  • Document traditional knowledge.

E.  Marketing & Export Linkage

1. Farm Product Export Boards (Tehsil-level Coordination):

• Align local produce with APEDA standards.
  • Assist in FSSAI certification, EU/USFDA compliance.

2.      E-NAM & Farmer Market Aggregation Cells:

• Enable collective digital selling of produce with minimum price assurance.

3.      GI Product Cluster Development:

• Create branding around GI-tagged crops and promote through Haryana State Export Promotion Council.

F.  Policy Reforms & Welfare Incentives

1. MSP Legalisation for Targeted Crops:

• Implement C2+50% as per Swaminathan formula.

2.      Reform of PM Fasal Bima Yojana:

• Khasra-based assessment, localized risk classification, transparent payouts.

3.      Inclusion in MANREGA:

• Priority to farm operations (harvesting, residue management).

4.      Agri-Education Reforms:

• Agriculture as compulsory subject till Class 10.

IV.   Outcome Metrics

• % Increase in average net farm income.
• Number of farmers/startups accessing IPR/MSME schemes.
• Number of functional BMCs per tehsil.
• % reduction in input cost through mechanization pooling.
• % of farmers linked to digital marketing/export channels.
• Reduction in stray cattle, crop loss due to wild animals.
• Number of local breeds revived through semen banks.

V.   Conclusion

Agriculture is not merely an occupation but the cultural and economic backbone of India. An integrated tehsil-level planning model backed by legal empowerment, market connectivity, ecological alignment, and technology-based entrepreneurship is the need of the hour. A confident, dignified, and prosperous farmer is the foundation of Atmanirbhar Bharat.