BY OUR STAFF REPORTER
DEHRADUN, 17 May: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the modern technology-based e-RUPI system at the Secretariat here on Saturday. He also launched four ambitious agricultural policies, Kiwi Policy, Dragon Fruit Policy, Apple Post-Harvest Management Scheme and Millet Mission, all of them aimed at transforming the state’s agricultural sector. He announced that the government would soon introduce Flower and Honey policies for the state. Under the Kiwi Policy, a Rs 894 crore investment aims to develop kiwi farming over 3,500 hectares in six years, targeting an annual production of 14,000 metric tonnes, benefiting around 9,000 farmers. The Dragon Fruit policy has been allotted Rs 15 crore, with plans to cultivate the fruit over 228 acres, achieving a production target of 350 metric tonnes, primarily benefiting small and medium-scale farmers. The Apple Post-Harvest Management Scheme aims to cover 5,000 hectares under ultra-high-density horticulture, with a total investment of Rs 144.55 crore. The plan includes establishing 22 CA storage and sorting-grading units, with subsidies of 50 per cent for individual farmers and up to 70 per cent for farmer groups. The Millet policy, with an investment of Rs 135 crore, targets bringing 70,000 hectares under millet cultivation across 68 development blocks in two phases. Farmers would receive subsidies of up to 80 per cent on investment, incentives of Rs 4,000 per hectare for line sowing, Rs 2,000 for other methods, and an additional incentive of Rs 300 per quintal on procurement.
Addressing the gathering on this occasion, the CM claimed that the e-RUPI system is a significant initiative for farmers in the state. He highlighted that e-RUPI would function as a transparent, fast, and intermediary-free digital payment system, ensuring farmers receive subsidies directly through mobile e-vouchers via SMS or QR codes. These vouchers could be used to purchase fertilisers, seeds, agro-chemicals, and other essential materials from authorised vendors. Dhami instructed the officials to organise training programmes in villages to educate farmers about e-RUPI so they could fully benefit from this technology. He stressed that all these initiatives aim to strengthen agriculture and employment opportunities in both mountainous and plain regions of the state while tackling migration issues effectively. He expressed confidence that these policies would play a crucial role in making Uttarakhand a self-reliant and leading agricultural state.
Speaking about the newly launched agricultural policies, Dhami stated that these schemes would promote agricultural diversity and significantly boost farmers’ income. Agriculture Minister Ganesh Joshi, also present at the event, shared details about specific targets within the newly launched schemes. He stated that a goal has been set to bring 5,000 hectares under ultra-high-density apple orchards by 2030-31 to improve apple production in the state. He also announced the launch of a Rs 144.55 crore scheme for apple storage and grading, offering subsidies ranging from 50 to 70 per cent for Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage and sorting-grading units. Joshi further highlighted the launch of a Rs 134.893 crore Millet policy, which aims to cover 70,000 hectares across 68 development blocks in two phases by 2030-31. Under this policy, farmers would receive incentives for seed sowing and crop procurement, ensuring steady growth in millet production. He expressed confidence that these policies would strengthen the agricultural economy of Uttarakhand and give national recognition to its products.
Several dignitaries and agricultural experts attended the event, including Vice Chairman of the Tea Development Advisory Council Maheshwar Singh Mehra, Vice Chairman of Uttarakhand Organic Agriculture Bhupesh Upadhyay, Vice Chairman of the Herbal Advisory Committee Balbir Dhuniyal, Vice Chairman of the State Medicinal Plants Board Pratap Singh Panwar, Vice Chairman of the Herbal Committee Bhuvan Vikram Dabral, Secretary Dr SN Pandey, Director General of Agriculture Ranveer Singh Chauhan, Director ITDA Gaurav Kumar, along with farmers from different districts.
