Context:

• While due to political reasons, state initiatives towards development of agriculture revolve around subsidies and doles, the need of the hour is adoption of a comprehensive approach that also focusses on improving capabilities and building infrastructure.

Key Points:

• The state government of Haryana has introduced measures to improve infrastructure for assisting the farmers in getting maximum value out of their produce. The state government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Birmingham in order to establish a Center of Excellence in Post-Harvest Management and Cold chain in the state of Haryana.
• The state agriculture minister and other representatives had recently travelled to the University of Birmingham to take part in the Cold Chain Summit. The government of Haryana claims that the horticultural industry will profit significantly from this decision. The state government is attempting to minimize the harm done to horticultural crops in the state during the post harvest period. The current range of this loss has been estimated to be between 7 and 18 percent. Additionally, Horticulture is also likely to witness a surge in diversification with the cold chain system in place.
• Besides, farmers will be able to preserve agricultural produce’s freshness for a long period by employing a cold chain infrastructure. According to state agriculture ministry officals, this Center of Excellence would advance knowledge among farmers and other stakeholders, usage of environmentally and farmer-friendly technology, and the reduction of post-harvest losses.
• As a consequence, the state’s diversification in the direction of horticulture will significantly expand. The staff from the University of Birmingham will also visit the establishments connected to the Center of Excellence that will be established in Haryana.
• It is important to note here that horticulture crops occupy roughly 7% of Haryana’s total planted land. The Haryana government has implemented many schemes with the goal of diversifying into horticulture and raising farmers’ incomes. Haryana agriculture minister, speaking to the attendees of the Cold Chain Summit, emphasised the need to reduce crop losses in horticulture following harvest. According to official estimates, this loss now ranges from 7 to 18 percent and establishment of cold chain infrastructure will go a long way in curbing the avoidable losses.