Mera Pani Meri Virasat Yojana: An Initiative towards Crop Diversification in Haryana

Abstract

Ground water level in Haryana state continuously declines due to the over exploitation. In some of the blocks, the situation is very critical and there is a need to take the appropriate step to sustain the ground water level in the state. “Mera Pani Meri Virasat” scheme is one of the initiatives of the Haryana government to sustain the ground water level in the state through the crop diversification. The main purpose of the scheme is to encourage the farmers towards growing the crops consuming less water (like maize, bajra, pulses and cotton) in place of crops consuming more water especially paddy. The present study examines the “Mera Pani Meri Virasat” scheme and cropping pattern in Haryana state. The study based on secondary data that has been retrieved from various secondary sources. Descriptive statistical tools like percentage, compound annual growth rate, table and charts were used in the study. The results of the study indicates that MPMV is an ambitious scheme because it helps in risk reduction in agricultural activities as well as sustaining the ground water level in the state. Under the MPMV scheme, 49157 farmers are registered with the area 95117.8 hectares as on 8 Oct. 2021. The study also reveals that area and production of paddy as well as cotton are continuously increasing and showing the positive growth rate whereas area of bajra is declining continue but still the production of bajra is increasing. Both the area and production of maize crops continues declining. For policy implications, it is suggested that the government should organise the awareness programmes at panchayat levels about the scheme and its benefits.