Chandigarh, June 3 – In order to create horticulture value chain in Haryana which will directly benefit the farmers in coming future, Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal has given approval to Rs. 2,600 crore funding from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). He said that this project in collaboration with JICA will strengthen the supply chain of fruits and vegetables in the domestic market along with ensuring adequate exports. He added that this project will envisage horticulture 3.0 for security, farm sustainability and rural prosperity through direct employment along with nutritional security and delivery of safe food to consumers.

Sh. Manohar Lal said this in the meeting of the Standing Finance Committee held today. It was apprised during the meeting that through this project 3 lakh farmers will be benefited in various ways. Along with this 10-15% reduction in the post harvest losses will be achieved within the project timeframe.

It was apprised during the meeting that in order to meet the future requirements, Haryana requires 1695 of packhouses, 3.05 lakh MT of Onion Storage along with expansion of cold storage capacity & other related agri-based infrastructure which will be accommodated with this project in collaboration with JICA keeping in mind the future requirements.

During the meeting Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Sh. J.P Dalal said that the government is dedicated to ensure that the benefits of the welfare schemes related to agriculture and horticulture reaches all farmers without disparity. He added that this initiative of the project will enhance the quality, grading and packing standards of the produce along with enhancing the market linkage and accessibility to the market.

Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Sh. V. Umashankar, Additional Chief Secretary, Finance, T.V.S.N. Prasad, Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Dr. Sumita Misra and DG, Horticulture, Dr. Arjun Singh Saini along with other senior officers were also present in the meeting.