Dehradun: BJP MLA Bishan Singh Chufal expressed concern over the increasing migration and emphasized the need to promote organic farming in the hills. He also raised questions about the functioning of the Migration Commission and also called for an effective plan to prevent damage by wild animals.
Addressing to media on Sunday, Didihaat MLA Chufal said that villages in the hilly districts of the state are gradually becoming deserted. The houses are locked. The primary reason for this is the barren fields in the mountainous areas. He said that due to the damage caused by wild animals to crops, people are unable to engage in farming. with out farming there is nothing left in the villages. People are moving to cities under the pretext of sending their children to school. He added that people want to stay in their villages, but due to the lack of essential food supplies, no one can sustain themselves there.
Chufal mentioned that a common belief in the hill villages is that if children are to be educated, they must go outside, and food items are being purchased from outside. As a result, the villages are becoming empty, and the fields and farmlands are turning barren. He noted that many people want to return to their villages as their deities reside there, and they come to participate in the special religious rituals of their village, but it is becoming difficult for them to live there.
Chufal emphasized that in order to curb migration, organic farming should be promoted in the villages. Along with increasing the production of vegetables, wheat, and rice, animal husbandry should also be encouraged.He also mentioned that a proper marketing system for state-produced goods is essential so that farmers can receive fair prices.
He also informed that he had met with State Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal and requested for an effective action plan to prevent crop damage caused by wild animals. Chufal also raised questions regarding the functioning of the Migration Prevention Commission, saying that the commission has been preparing reports for a long time, but its limited to meetings. He stressed that the commission’s role should be strengthened.
