In a significant development for the agricultural sector in Haryana, the Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO) has approved a loan of Rs 1850 Crores for a flagship project of the Haryana government, the India International Horticulture Market (IIHM), located in Ganaur, Sonipat.
The IIHM, a project with an overall outlay of Rs 2600 crore, is envisioned to be a market of international standards, dealing primarily with fruits and vegetables. It is designed to enhance market access for farmers by connecting them to both national and international value chains.
According to a senior government official, this establishment is expected to provide crucial market services not only to the farmers of Haryana but also to those in neighbouring states such as Punjab, Delhi, Western UP, Jammu & Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh.
“The Government of Haryana is deeply invested in this landmark project, contributing an equity of Rs. 800 crore and a grant of Rs. 430 crore.”
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has emphasised the significance of this project, not just as a physical infrastructure but as a vision aimed at doubling the income of farmers. Recently, while talking to reporters, he underscored the benefits that the market would bring to farmers, fruit and vegetable producers, and traders alike.
With the expansion of the IIHM, it is projected to become the largest horticulture market in Asia, offering extensive benefits to buyers and sellers across northern India. This market is set to be a formidable alternative to the existing Azadpur market in Delhi, equipped with comprehensive facilities to cater to diverse needs.
The initiative aligns with the broader goal set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to double farmers' incomes. It is anticipated that the tender works for the market, amounting to Rs 2,600 crore, will be completed within two years.
In addition to the development of the IIHM, the Chief Minister recently announced a range of other initiatives designed to bolster the agricultural sector in the state. These include the provision of subsidies to vegetable-producing farmers at the rate of Rs 5,000 per acre for three years, with the potential for expansion in terms of area and duration based on requirements.
Also, acknowledging the challenges faced by sunflower farmers, plans for establishing an oil factory in Kurukshetra with a capacity of 20,000 metric tonnes were announced. Another significant development is the commencement of the Maharana Pratap Horticulture University in Karnal, which is expected to start next year and offer substantial benefits to farmers in the region.
Currently, vegetable production is being carried out on three thousand acres in the Ganaur block, which is slated for further expansion.
