New Delhi: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met Union Minister for Agriculture, Rural Development, and Farmers’ Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan in New Delhi. They discussed the implementation and expansion of various agriculture-related schemes in Uttarakhand. The Chief Minister also discussed the proposed projects formulated by the state government to meet the agricultural and horticultural needs of both the hilly and plain regions of the state, aimed at improving the economic stability of farmers.
The Chief Minister informed that the Uttarakhand government has prepared comprehensive schemes worth approximately ₹3,800 crore to ensure the holistic development of agriculture and horticulture and to make farmers self-reliant. These schemes include various aspects such as innovation, mechanization, technological integration, and the promotion of traditional farming. The Chief Minister expressed his gratitude to the Union Agriculture Minister for granting in-principle approval for the ₹3,800 crore schemes related to agriculture in the state. He said that this support will be a significant step towards making the state’s agricultural sector self-reliant and modern.
The Chief Minister informed the Union Minister that ₹1,052.80 crore is required for constructing agricultural fencing to protect crops in hilly areas from wild animals. Additionally, a proposal has been made for a ₹400 crore scheme to establish 10,000 Farm Machinery Banks in the state, which would benefit small, marginal farmers and women. To promote traditional and nutritious crops, a provision of ₹134.89 crore has been made under the State Millet Mission. A ₹5 crore scheme has also been developed to make the state self-reliant in seed production by establishing a seed hub. A ₹1,150 crore plan has been proposed to promote apple production and strengthen storage and marketing systems. An estimated ₹894 crore is required for the promotion and protection of cash crops like kiwi from wildlife. A proposed investment of ₹885.10 crore is aimed at promoting innovation and startups in the agriculture and horticulture sectors. A ₹42 crore scheme has also been prepared to promote low-risk crops like dragon fruit.
The Chief Minister said that the state government is actively working in the field of food processing and value addition. A provision of ₹36.50 crore has been made for setting up analytical laboratories to promote organic farming. A ₹378.50 crore plan has been proposed for the modernization of land records and digital surveys. In addition, ₹14 crore has been allocated to train youth in agriculture through Pantnagar University, and another ₹14 crore for establishing an agri-tourism school. A provision of ₹16.11 crore has been made for setting up a microbiology laboratory at the Horticulture and Forestry University in Bharsar.
On the Chief Minister’s request, the Union Minister gave in-principle approval for extending the deadline of pending works under PMGSY Phase 1 and 2. He also assured in-principle approval for proposals under PMGSY Phase 4. The Union Minister appreciated the commendable efforts of the Uttarakhand government in agriculture and rural development.
Responding positively to the proposals presented by the Chief Minister, the Union Agriculture Minister assured that Uttarakhand’s agricultural needs will be addressed on a priority basis, and all possible support will be provided for the prosperity of the state’s farmers.
The meeting was also attended by Devesh Chaturvedi, Agriculture Secretary, Government of India; Shailesh Kumar Singh, Rural Development Secretary, Government of India; and Ajay Mishra, Resident Commissioner of Uttarakhand.
