Archive · 18 Jul 2025
Haryana's Paddy Cultivation Expands Despite Crop Diversification Push
The amount of land used for growing rice in Haryana has gone up a lot, even though the government wants farmers to grow different crops.
The government offered money to farmers who switched from rice to other crops, but it didn't work well.
Farmers make more money from rice, so they don't want to switch.
The government is now giving more money to encourage farmers to try other crops and is also helping them use less water for rice farming.
They are also planning to build food factories to help farmers grow different crops.
Paddy cultivation in Haryana has increased by over 35% in the last ten years despite government efforts to promote crop diversification.
The Haryana government launched the 'Mera Pani Meri Virasat' scheme to encourage farmers to shift from paddy to alternative crops, offering financial incentives.
Farmer leaders cite profitability as the main reason for sticking with paddy, which yields higher income compared to alternative crops.
The government has increased the diversification incentive to Rs 8,000 per acre and is promoting direct seeded rice (DSR).
The Haryana government is preparing an action plan for food processing industries and aims to promote crop diversification across 4 lakh acres.
- Who
- Haryana government and farmers.
- What
- Paddy cultivation has increased in Haryana despite government efforts to promote crop diversification.
- When
- Between 2015 and 2024.
- Where
- Haryana.
- Why
- Farmers find paddy cultivation more financially viable, despite government incentives for alternatives.
Farmers
Government
Profitability vs. Diversification
Farmers
Paddy is more profitable.
Government
The government promotes alternative crops.
Market Access for Alternatives
Farmers
Lack of better market facilities for alternative crops.
Government
Government encourages diversification.
- Paddy Area in 2015
- 13.53 lakh hectares
- Paddy Area in 2024
- 18.37 lakh hectares
- Mera Pani Meri Virasat Incentive
- Rs 7,000 per acre (initially)
- Current Diversification Incentive
- Rs 8,000 per acre
- Dhaincha Green Manure Incentive
- Rs 1,000 per acre
- Haryana Water Demand vs. Availability
- 34.96 vs 20.93 lakh crore liters