Chandigarh, Feb 7 (PTI) Haryana minister Shyam Singh Rana on Friday said agricultural statistics play a crucial role in assessing employment opportunities within the sector.

To facilitate this, a digital cell will be established, Rana, the state agriculture and farmers' welfare minister, said.

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He said by giving full attention to agriculture, much of the unemployment in the state could be addressed through farming, and this can only be achieved with the cooperation of all stakeholders.

The agriculture minister made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the national workshop on agricultural statistics-2025, in Panchkula, an official statement said.

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He said Haryana is an agriculture-based state, with about 60 per cent of its population dependent on farming.

He also urged officials to prioritise organic farming over simply increasing crop yields, encouraging a shift toward more sustainable and health-conscious agricultural practices.

He said agricultural statistics play a vital role in measuring and assessing the progress of the sector. These statistics provide insights into various aspects, such as crop production, the Prime Minister's Crop Insurance Scheme, agricultural income, and employment opportunities within the agricultural sector, he said.

Rana said under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, numerous schemes are being implemented for the benefit of farmers. These include Meri Fasal Mera Byora, direct sowing of paddy, natural farming, crop residue management, 'Bhawantar Bharpai', Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, and soil health programmes.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)