DEHRADUN: Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan reviewed central government schemes related to agriculture and rural development at a high-level meeting held at the Chief Minister’s residence in Dehradun. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Agriculture Minister Ganesh Joshi, and other senior officials were present.
The Union Minister praised Uttarakhand for increasing agricultural production despite a reduction in cultivated land. He emphasized the need for a long-term action plan for agriculture in the state and called for timely submission of proposals for central support.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced the formation of 2,000 scientific teams to guide farmers across India on modern farming techniques, region-specific crop strategies, and agricultural innovations.
Chief Minister Dhami sought central assistance for various initiatives:
Rs 1,053 crore for fencing to protect crops from wild animals
Rs 400 crore for setting up 1,000 farm machinery banks
Rs 1,150 crore for intensive apple horticulture
Support to develop the State Seed Production Institute into a hub for pulses, oilseeds, and seeds
The Union Minister assured phased support for these proposals and requested annual action plans for funding allocation.
Highlighting the importance of traditional crops, CM Dhami urged the Centre to declare a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Jhangora, a staple millet grown on 38,000 hectares. Chouhan responded positively, indicating the request would be considered.
He also assured full support for:
Establishing Centers of Excellence for kiwi, honey, mushrooms, and exotic vegetables
The Dragon Fruit Mission
The Himalayan Academy for capacity building in agri and allied sectors
The Union Minister appreciated Uttarakhand’s focus on organic farming and stressed the need for better marketing and branding of organic products.
During the review of rural development schemes, CM Dhami requested national recognition and GI tagging for “House of Himalayas Limited”, aimed at promoting local products globally. He also sought support for women self-help groups, creation of a Himalayan Rural Bank, and development of a premium supply chain. Chouhan assured central collaboration and said a joint team would be formed to draft a comprehensive plan.
Further demands included:
Increasing MNREGA wage rates
Raising PM Awas Yojana (Gramin) housing grants from Rs 1.3 lakh to Rs 2 lakh, citing high transport costs in hilly terrain
Approval of over 100 road projects covering 600 km under the fourth phase of PMGSY
The Union Minister assured positive action on all fronts, acknowledging the unique needs of Himalayan states.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Anand Vardhan, Principal Secretary R. Meenakshi Sundaram, senior state and central officials, and university vice chancellors.
