NEW DELHI: The Haryana Chief Minister, Bhajan Lal has favoured implementation of the Rajiv-Longowal Accord and has suggested that the Center should initiate talks on the issue of transfer of the Union Territory of Chandigarh,

Talking to newspersons here on Thursday, Bhajan Lal said that Chandigarh was developed when Punjab, Haryana and Himachal were one entity. The water dis Pate, he said, could also be settled as per the provisions of the Accord. He stressed that all differences could be solved through talks and added that he would abide by the final decision of the Prime Minister, P.V. Narasimha Rao.

The Chief Minister said that Punjab tangle was a problem not only of that particular state but that of the entire country. He expressed the hope that the installation of an elected government would expedite the restoration of peace. He said that with Congress governments at the Center, Punjab and Haryana, there were better prospects of settlement of the disputed issues.

Bhajan Lal, who had convened a press conference to announce steps taken by his government to boost agriculture and horticulture production in the state, said that the state government would organize  special program, “Our Fields, Our Villages” from Friday to Tuesday next. He said that the Program is being organized to exclusively focus on the welfare of the farmers about 10,000 farmers are expected to participate in the five-day long program at Rohtak.

The Chief Minister said that the main thrust of the program will be on horticulture, agro-based industry and animal husbandry, including fisheries. He said that about four lakh saplings would be raised and distributed during the silver jubilee year of the state to promote horticulture.

In the area of animal husbandry, a veterinary dispensary will be set up in every patwar circle and a veterinary hospital in every district headquarter he added.

Bhajan Lal announced that in order to encourage farmers, the state government would insist prices in various categories. State level awards and cash prizes would also be given to village.

Article extracted from this publication >> March 13, 1992