Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 12 Aug: Uttarakhand Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ganesh Joshi today reviewed the progress of polyhouses, the Apple Mission, and the financial and physical progress of various schemes for the financial year 2026–27 at the Horticulture Council Auditorium, Circuit House, here, today. Chief Horticulture Officers from all districts and departmental officials attended the meeting. Officials presented updates on the progress of various schemes.
During the review of the Apple Mission, Minister Ganesh Joshi sought detailed district-wise information and directed officials to ensure 100 percent utilisation of the budget allocated for high-density apple cultivation under the Apple Mission for 2026–27. He also issued strict instructions for the early settlement of pending payments to apple-growing farmers.
The Agriculture Minister said Uttarakhand has immense potential for the production of kiwi and dragon fruit. He directed officials to encourage more farmers to adopt these crops and ensure that they receive the benefits of departmental schemes. He stressed that all schemes must be implemented effectively within the stipulated timelines and that targets should be achieved on time.
Minister Ganesh Joshi further directed officials to ensure that farmers receive seeds for vegetables and other crops before the sowing season, so that they do not face any difficulties and sowing can be carried out on time.
Reviewing polyhouse construction under the NABARD scheme, the Minister directed officials to accelerate construction work. He said the prescribed targets for polyhouse installation must be achieved within the stipulated timeframe and that construction activities should be regularly monitored.
The meeting also discussed the potential of beekeeping. The Agriculture Minister said there are significant opportunities to generate employment and increase farmers’ incomes through beekeeping in, both, hill areas and plains of the state. He directed officials to connect more farmers with beekeeping and provide them with the necessary training and benefits under government schemes.
Minister Joshi issued clear instructions that all discrepancies related to pending payments to farmers under polyhouse, Apple Mission, kiwi and other schemes must be resolved within one week and payments ensured. He emphasised that ensuring timely benefits of government schemes to farmers must remain the department’s top priority.
Director, Horticulture, RK Singh, Horticulture Mission Director Mahendra Pal, Joint Director Ratan Kumar, and Chief Horticulture Officers from all districts were present at the meeting.
