The Chief Minister met the Union Agriculture and Rural Development Minister and requested special cooperation in the implementation of various agriculture related schemes in the state.

Mahesh Chandra - Delhi

The Central Government has given in-principle approval of Rs 3800 crore to various schemes of agriculture and horticulture development.

The Union Agriculture Minister praised the excellent work being done by the Uttarakhand government in the field of agriculture and rural development.

Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami met Union Agriculture, Rural Development and Farmers Welfare Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan in New Delhi on Monday and discussed the implementation and expansion of agriculture and various related schemes of the state. The Chief Minister also discussed the proposed schemes prepared by the State Government for the agricultural and horticultural needs of the hilly and plain areas of the state and the economic strength of the farmers. The Chief Minister informed that the Uttarakhand Government has prepared comprehensive schemes of about Rs 3800 crore with the aim of overall development of agriculture and horticulture sector and making the farmers self-reliant. These schemes include various aspects like innovation, mechanization, technological inclusion and promotion of traditional agriculture. The Chief Minister thanked the Union Agriculture Minister for giving in-principle approval of Rs 3800 crore for the agriculture related schemes of the state. The Chief Minister said that this cooperation will prove to be an important step towards making the agriculture sector of the state self-reliant and modern.

The Chief Minister informed the Union Minister that a requirement of Rs 1,052.80 crore has been identified for the construction of agricultural fence to protect the crops of the hilly areas in the state from wild animals. Apart from this, a scheme of Rs 400 crore has been proposed to establish 10,000 farm machinery banks in the state, which will benefit small, marginal farmers and women. A provision of Rs 134.89 crore has been made under the State Millet Mission to promote traditional nutritious crops. A scheme of Rs 5 crore has also been prepared to develop the state as a seed hub for self-sufficiency in seed production. A scheme of Rs 1,150 crore has been proposed to promote apple production, strengthen storage and marketing system. A requirement of Rs 894 crore has been shown for promotion of cash crops like kiwi and protecting the farming from wildlife. An investment of Rs 885.10 crore is proposed to promote innovation and startups in agriculture and horticulture sector. A scheme of Rs 42 crore 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 Rs 36.50 crore has been made for setting up analysis laboratories to promote organic farming. A scheme of Rs 378.50 crore has been proposed under the modernization of land records and digital survey. Along with this, a scheme of Rs 14 crore has been prepared to make the youth skilled in agriculture sector through Pantnagar University and Rs 14 crore for setting up an agritourism school. A provision of Rs 16.11 crore is proposed for the establishment of microbiology laboratory in Uttarakhand Horticulture and Forestry University, Bharsar.

Apart from this, the Chief Minister also requested the Union Minister for central assistance for the establishment of high quality nursery, cold storage, sorting and grading unit in view of apple production in the state, promotion of Kiwi and Dragon Fruit Mission, establishment of Center of Excellence for Super Foods (Mushroom and Exotic Vegetables) and establishment of Agro Tourism School in Pantnagar Agricultural University.

On the request of the Chief Minister, the Union Minister gave in-principle consent to extend the time limit for the remaining works of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) 1 and 2. Along with this, he also assured to give in-principle consent on the proposal of PMGSY 4. The Union Minister praised the excellent work being done by the Uttarakhand government in various fields of agriculture and rural development.

The Union Agriculture Minister gave a positive response to the proposals presented by the Chief Minister and assured that the agricultural needs of Uttarakhand will be taken into consideration on priority basis and all possible support will be provided for the prosperity of the farmers of the state.

Agriculture Secretary of Government of India Devesh Chaturvedi, Rural Development Secretary of Government of India Saleesh Kumar Singh and Resident Commissioner of Uttarakhand Ajay Mishra were present in the meeting.

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