Dehradun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the “e-RUPI” system, based on modern technology, at the Secretariat. On this occasion, he also launched four ambitious agricultural policies aimed at giving a new direction to the state’s agriculture sector — Kiwi Policy, Dragon Fruit Policy, Post-Harvest Apple Management Scheme, and the Millet Mission. He announced that the government will soon prepare Flower and Honey Policies for the state as well.
While addressing the program, the Chief Minister said that the e-RUPI system is a new initiative for the state’s food producers. The e-RUPI system will become a transparent, quick, and middleman-free digital payment method for farmers. Under pilot projects, the subsidy amount for farmers will be directly sent to their mobile phones in the form of e-vouchers (SMS or QR codes), which they can use to purchase fertilizers, seeds, medicines, etc., from authorized centers or vendors.
The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure the successful implementation of the e-RUPI system by organizing training programs in villages to raise awareness among farmers so they can fully benefit from this technology. All these initiatives aim to strengthen agriculture and employment in both hilly and plain areas of the state, which will also help in effectively controlling the issue of migration. These schemes will be a milestone in making Uttarakhand self-reliant, empowered, and a leading agricultural state.
While launching the four new agricultural policies, the Chief Minister said that these initiatives will promote agricultural diversity in the state and serve as a foundation for increasing farmers’ income.
Highlights of the Kiwi Policy
Total budget: ₹894 crore.
Target to cultivate kiwi on 3,500 hectares over six years
Target of 14,000 metric tons of annual kiwi production
Direct benefit to 9,000 farmers
Highlights of the Dragon Fruit Policy
Total budget: ₹15 crore
Dragon fruit cultivation on 228 acres
Target production: 350 metric tons
Benefits for small and medium-scale farmers
Post-Harvest Apple Management Scheme
Budget: ₹144.55 crore
High-density orchards on 5,000 hectares
Establishment of 22 CA storage and sorting-grading units
Subsidy up to 50% for individual farmers and up to 70% for farmer groups
Millet Policy
Budget: ₹135 crore
Cultivation on 70,000 hectares in 68 development blocks in two phases
Up to 80% subsidy on investment
₹4,000/ha incentive for line sowing, ₹2,000 for other methods
₹300 per quintal bonus for produce purchase
Agriculture Minister, Ganesh Joshi said that to promote apple production, a target has been set to cover 5,000 hectares with high-density orchards by 2030-31. A plan worth ₹144.55 crore has been launched for apple storage and grading, under which 50% to 70% government subsidy will be provided for CA storage and sorting-grading units. Regarding the Millet Policy, he stated that a ₹134.893 crore plan has been launched to cover 70,000 hectares by 2030-31. Under this, farmers will receive incentives for seed sowing and crop purchase. These policies will strengthen farmers’ financial conditions and give national recognition to Uttarakhand’s agricultural products.
on this occasion Vice Chairman of the Tea Development Advisory Council Mr. Maheshwar Singh Mehra, Vice Chairman of Uttarakhand Organic Agriculture Mr. Bhupesh Upadhyay, Vice Chairman of the Herbal Advisory Committee Mr. Balbir Dhuniyal, Vice Chairman of the State Medicinal Plant Board Mr. Pratap Singh Panwar, Vice Chairman of the Herbal Committee Mr. Bhuvan Vikram Dabral, Secretary Dr. S.N. Pandey, Director General of Agriculture Mr. Ranveer Singh Chauhan, ITDA Director Mr. Gaurav Kumar and farmers from various districts were also present there.
