The Kisan Chamber of Commerce (KCC) wholeheartedly welcomes and appreciates the launch of the ₹2,738 crore JICA-funded Sustainable Horticulture Promotion Project by the Government of Haryana on 5 June 2026 (World Environment Day) at Panchkula. The project was inaugurated by Nayab Singh Saini and is being implemented with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency.
Project Overview
| Item | Details |
| Project Name | Sustainable Horticulture Promotion Project |
| Funding Agency | Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) |
| Project Cost | ₹2,738 Crore |
| Launch Date | 5 June 2026 |
| Launch Venue | Panchkula, Haryana |
| Chief Objective | Promote sustainable horticulture and increase farmers’ income |
| Beneficiaries | Horticulture farmers across Haryana |
| Focus Areas | Crop diversification, value chains, cold storage, marketing, water conservation, technology adoption |
Major Components of the Project
1. Development of Horticulture Clusters
- Around 400 horticulture clusters will be developed across Haryana.
- Farmers will be encouraged to shift from traditional crops towards fruits, vegetables, spices, flowers and other high-value crops.
- Scientific cultivation practices will be promoted.
2. Farmer Producer Groups
- Approximately 500 farmer producer groups (FPOs/producer groups) will be organized and strengthened.
- Collective marketing and bargaining power of farmers will increase.
- Better access to markets and inputs.
3. Modern Post-Harvest Infrastructure
The project includes establishment of:
- 402 Pack Houses
- 4 Lead Pack Houses
- 3 Fulfilment Centres
- 44 Retail Outlets
This infrastructure will reduce post-harvest losses and improve quality grading, packaging and marketing.
4. Cold Chain Development
The project is linked with the foundation stone of the Haryana Agri-Business and Cold Chain Centre (HACE).
Benefits:
- Better storage of fruits and vegetables.
- Reduced wastage.
- Higher prices for farmers.
- Enhanced export opportunities.
Water Conservation Measures
The project strongly emphasizes climate-resilient agriculture through:
- Construction of 1,000 rainwater harvesting structures
- Expansion of micro-irrigation systems over 65,000 acres
- Efficient water use technologies
- Promotion of sustainable farming practices
These measures are especially important for Haryana’s groundwater-stressed regions.
Technology Integration
The project will introduce advanced technologies such as:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Real-time monitoring systems
- Soil and water testing
- Digital advisory services
- Geospatial technologies
- E-marketing platforms
- Modern packaging systems
These technologies aim to make farming more productive and profitable.
Expected Benefits for Farmers
Economic Benefits
- Higher farmer income.
- Better market access.
- Reduced post-harvest losses.
- Increased exports of horticultural products.
- More rural employment opportunities.
Environmental Benefits
- Water conservation.
- Sustainable agriculture practices.
- Reduced pressure on groundwater.
- Improved climate resilience.
Social Benefits
- Support for women farmers.
- Opportunities for rural youth.
- Strengthened farmer organizations.
Chief Minister’s Vision
During the launch, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini stated that Haryana aims to become India’s leading state in:
- Horticulture
- Agri-business
- Cold-chain infrastructure
- Food processing
- Agricultural exports
He emphasized that farmers, youth, women and modern technology will play a central role in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Significance for Haryana
This JICA-supported project is expected to:
- Accelerate crop diversification away from water-intensive crops.
- Build a complete farm-to-market value chain.
- Strengthen climate-resilient agriculture.
- Create a modern horticulture ecosystem.
- Improve incomes for lakhs of farmers across Haryana.
Kisan Chamber of Commerce
“The Kisan Chamber of Commerce congratulates the Government of Haryana and JICA on launching the Sustainable Horticulture Promotion Project. This landmark initiative has the potential to transform Haryana’s agricultural landscape by promoting crop diversification, modern value chains, cold-chain infrastructure and sustainable farming practices. The Chamber believes that small and marginal farmers should be given priority in implementation so that the benefits reach every village and farming family. KCC looks forward to partnering with stakeholders to maximize farmer participation, market access, carbon-smart agriculture and agribusiness opportunities across Haryana.”
Way Forward
The Kisan Chamber of Commerce recommends:
- Formation of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) around horticulture clusters.
- Integration of carbon credit opportunities with horticulture and agroforestry.
- Digital market access and export facilitation for farmers.
- Special support for small and marginal farmers.
- Capacity building on post-harvest management and value addition.
- Linkage of the project with agri-startups and rural entrepreneurship.
This JICA-supported initiative can become a milestone in making Haryana a national leader in horticulture, agribusiness, food processing, and agricultural exports while ensuring sustainable income growth for farmers.