category Regional, chandigarh, , tags Regional, chandigarh, , DW BUREAU Chandigarh Chief Minister Manohar Lal will attend the Haryana Krishi Vikas Mela-2023 as the chief guest on the closing ceremony on March 12; being organized at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. The Chief Minister said that the farmers are the backbone of the country and they contribute to the progress of the nation by working their fingers to the bone. He said that the farmers of Haryana have a remarkable contribution in the economic development of the country. Under the leadership of Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal, the state government has implemented several schemes in the interest of the farmers, which has strengthened their economic condition. In the last two years, besides Rs 428 crore for various schemes in the agriculture sector, the state government has deposited an amount of more than Rs 45,000 crore directly into the accounts of the farmers for the purchase of their crops. With the widespread adoption of Meri Fasal-Mera Byora , it has been possible to send benefits directly to the accounts of the farmers under various ambitious schemes of the state such as Mera Paani-Meri Virasat, Dhan ki Seedhi Bijayi and Bhavantar Bharpayee Yojana . Last year, a new scheme on natural farming was launched in the state under the guidance of experts. A target of 20,000 acres has been set for adopting natural farming in the year 2023-24. Haryana is the only state in the country which is providing assistance to the farmers by giving a subsidy of Rs 25,000 on the purchase of an indigenous cow and Rs 20,000 for certification, marketing and processing; to promote natural farming. Notably, Haryana is known as the food bowl of India and the state is contributing 26 percent of wheat and 8 percent of rice to the central pool of the country. Agriculture and allied activities contribute 18.5 percent to the state s economy. Haryana is the only state which gives minimum support price to farmers for 14 crops. (editor dailyworld.in)