DEHRADUN: In a significant step toward promoting cash crop cultivation and enhancing farmers’ income, the Uttarakhand State Cabinet has approved three major agricultural initiatives: the Millets Policy, Kiwi Policy, and Dragon Fruit Cultivation Scheme. These schemes are expected to transform the livelihoods of more than 3.17 lakh farmers across the state.
Millets Policy: A Boost for Hill Farmers
Under the Uttarakhand State Millets Policy, the government has approved a comprehensive action plan worth Rs 134.89 crore to be implemented across 11 hill districts by 2030-31. Key highlights include:
80% subsidy on seeds and bio-fertilizers for millet cultivation (Mandua, Jhangora, Ramdana, Kauni, and China).
Incentives of Rs 4,000 per hectare for row sowing and Rs 2,000 per hectare for direct sowing.
Annual awards for 2 outstanding farmers/groups at each development block.
Establishment of one millet processing unit per development block.
A new Shrianna Food Park will be developed to support millet processing and marketing. The policy aims to benefit over 3 lakh farmers in total.
Kiwi Policy: Expanding High-Value Horticulture
The Kiwi Policy envisions large-scale cultivation of kiwi across 11 districts (excluding Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar) by 2030-31. The plan includes:
70% subsidy on the cost of establishing kiwi orchards, estimated at Rs 12 lakh per acre (30% to be borne by the farmer).
A total outlay of Rs 894 crore, with a goal of covering 3,500 hectares.
Estimated 17,500 farmers to benefit from this initiative. Currently, the state produces 382 metric tonnes of kiwi across 683 hectares.
Dragon Fruit Scheme: Cultivating an Exotic Crop
To promote the cultivation of dragon fruit using modern and scientific techniques, the state has launched a dedicated scheme in Udham Singh Nagar, Haridwar, Nainital, Bageshwar, Pauri, Dehradun, and Tehri districts. Key provisions include:
80% subsidy of the Rs 8 lakh per acre cost for establishing dragon fruit orchards (farmers contribute 20%).
A budget allocation of Rs 15 crore until 2027-28.The scheme is expected to benefit 450 farmers. Currently, Uttarakhand produces 70 metric tonnes of dragon fruit from 35 acres.
