Haryana’s economy has achieved a growth rate of 9.6 per cent in the gross state domestic product during 2010-11, Governor Jagannath Pahadia said, quoting quick estimates. Also, advance estimates for the current financial year show the state’s per capita income expected to be Rs 1,09,227 at current prices. This makes it rank second in the country — after Goa.
Delivering his address at the opening of the Budget session at Haryana Vidhan Sabha yesterday, Pahadia said the average growth rate of industrial production was 7.9 per cent during 2010-11 as per the IIP.
He expressed concern over the issue of the state’s legitimate share of water — and described Haryana as water-deficit. The state not getting its due share of river water has “further compounded” the situation. The state was firm in its commitment to secure Haryana’s legitimate share of water, and would continue to pursue the matter at all levels, the governor added.
Pahadia said the government has also focused attention on efficient use of water through improved agriculture practices and technological interventions. Rehabilitation of canal network has been taken up on priority basis in its bid to reduce the water losses in carriage and delivery.
Agriculture continues to be the “foremost priority” of the government. Several steps have been taken to empower the farming community. As a result, foodgrain production reached a record level of 166.29 lakh tonnes during 2010-11.
In fact, Haryana is the second largest contributor to the national food basket. The state procured 69.28 lakh metric tonnes of wheat in Rabi 2011 and 29.32 lakh million tonnes of paddy in kharif 2011 for the Central Pool, which is an all-time high. Haryana achieved the highest productivity in wheat to the tune of 46.24 quintals per hectare during Rabi 2010-11. The state also achieved a record level of productivity of 1,869 kg per hectare under mustard crop during 2010-11, which was the highest in the country, he added.