Union Minister reviews agriculture sector in state
By Our Staff Reporter
Dehradun, 5 May: Union Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan today commended Uttarakhand’s efforts in agriculture and rural development. The praise came during a review meeting with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, held at the CM’s residence here today. The discussion focused on central government schemes aimed at advancing these sectors. Uttarakhand’s Agriculture Minister Ganesh Joshi and State Disaster Management Advisory Committee Vice Chairman Vinay Rohila were also present on this occasion.
During the meeting, Chouhan observed that 2,000 teams of scientists are being constituted in the country to provide farmers with scientific expertise. He shared that the teams would visit districts across the country, guiding farmers on improving production based on local conditions, adopting modern techniques, and enhancing agriculture and horticulture practices. He lauded Uttarakhand’s progress despite decreasing area of agricultural land, suggesting that the state should develop a long-term action plan and send proposals for immediate requirements to the central government.
On this occasion, Dhami sought the Union Minister’s support for several agriculture and horticulture-related initiatives. Regarding the Rs 1,053 crores demand for fencing of farmland to protect against wild animals, Chouhan advised submitting proposals in phases. He assured financial assistance for farm mechanisation, stating that funds for the second phase of 1,000 farm machinery banks would be released upon utilising the first phase’s allocation. Additionally, he also pledged support for developing the State Seed Production Agency into a hub for pulses, oilseeds, and seeds. He further acknowledged the state’s request for Rs 1,150 crores for high-density apple orchards and in this regard, Chouhan advised the state to submit an annual action plan.
During the meeting, Dhami proposed a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Jhangora, a traditional crop grown on 38,000 hectares in Uttarakhand, similar to Mandua, which Chouhan responded positively to. The Union Agriculture Minister also assured assistance for establishing a Centre of Excellence under the Kiwi Mission, along with full cooperation for Centres of Excellence for honey, mushrooms, and exotic vegetables, too. He also promised support for the Dragon Fruit Mission and the Himalayan Academy for Capacity Building and Rural Enterprises in Agriculture and Allied sectors. Chouhan praised Uttarakhand’s promotion of organic products, emphasising the need for branding and marketing.
During discussions on rural development, Dhami requested the Union Minister for recognition for the House of Himalayas Limited to enhance its global presence. He also sought assistance for securing a GI tag and empowering associated women self-help groups, along with support for creating a Himalayan Gramin Bank and a premium supply chain. Chouhan acknowledged the importance of these initiatives and assured that a central team would visit the state to develop a national level strategy in this respect.
Dhami also requested an increase in wages under MGNREGA, to which Chouhan responded that it would have to be considered at the national level. Additionally, Dhami called for raising the grant amount for housing construction under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin from Rs 1.30 lakhs to Rs 2 lakhs, citing high transportation costs in remote areas. Chouhan assured that this would be reviewed, taking into account the state’s geographical challenges. On the request for approval of over 100 projects covering 600 km under the fourth phase of PMGSY, Chouhan assured swift approval of the Centre in this respect.
Among those present at the meeting were Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan, Principal Secretary R Meenakshi Sundaram, Secretaries Radhika Jha, Chandresh Yadav, SN Pandey and Ranveer Singh Chauhan, Vice Chancellor, Pantnagar University, Prof Dr Manmohan Singh Chauhan, Vice Chancellor, Bharsar University, Prof Dr Premendra Kaushal, Additional Secretary, Government of India, R Anand, Joint Secretary Amit Shukla, and other officials.
