Haryana Government Announces ₹8,000/Acre Incentive for Farmers Shifting from Paddy to Alternative Crops
30 June 2025, Chandigarh: In a significant policy push aimed at conserving groundwater and promoting sustainable agriculture, the Government of Haryana has announced an incentive of ₹8,000 per acre for farmers who switch from paddy cultivation to alternative crops under the ‘Mera Pani Meri Virasat’ (MPMV) scheme during the Kharif 2025 season.
The initiative is part of the state’s broader effort to reduce dependency on water-intensive paddy crops and encourage diversification toward crops such as maize (corn), cotton, pulses, oilseeds, vegetables, fodder, horticultural crops, and agroforestry. The scheme aims to cover a total area of 1 lakh acres across Haryana.
District-wise Targets Announced
The Agriculture Department has issued district-wise targets based on agro-climatic suitability. Sirsa district has been allocated the largest target at 17,950 acres, followed by Yamunanagar (12,305 acres), Jind (11,510 acres), Fatehabad (8,980 acres), Hisar (8,810 acres), and Kaithal (7,210 acres). Other districts have been given targets ranging from 125 to 6,400 acres.
Crop-wise Allocation
The state government has also announced clear targets for each category of alternative crops under the scheme:
- Cotton: 39,835 acres
- Fodder: 29,080 acres
- Vegetables & Horticulture: 15,285 acres
- Agroforestry: 6,440 acres
- Pulses: 5,245 acres
- Maize (Corn): 3,500 acres
- Oilseeds: 615 acres
Eligibility and Registration
The scheme is open to farmers who cultivated paddy in the previous Kharif season and are now opting for alternative crops. Farmers who had participated in the MPMV scheme in previous years and are continuing with crop diversification are also eligible. Additionally, those who leave their paddy fields fallow this season will qualify.
However, farmers who have already shifted away from paddy in the last four years will not be eligible for this incentive.
To enroll, farmers must register on the ‘Meri Fasal Mera Byora’ (MFMB) portal. After field verification, the incentive amount will be directly transferred to the farmer’s bank account post the procurement season.
Officials Encourage Adoption
Dr. Jaswinder Saini, Deputy Director of Agriculture, Ambala, stated that field officials have been directed to raise awareness among farmers and encourage them to embrace crop diversification. “Interest in agroforestry and vegetable cultivation is steadily increasing among farmers. We are confident that Ambala will achieve its target of 5,060 acres under this scheme,” he added.
This move comes at a crucial time as Haryana, like many other northern states, faces rising concerns over depleting groundwater levels due to the long-standing practice of paddy cultivation.
Also Read: UPL continues its commitment to Biodiversity Conservation with the Tenth Annual Sarus Crane Count
📢 If You’re in Agriculture, Make Sure the Right People Hear Your Story.
From product launches to strategic announcements, Global Agriculture offers unmatched visibility across international agri-business markets. Connect with us at pr@global-agriculture.com to explore editorial and advertising opportunities that reach the right audience, worldwide.
