Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 3 Jul: In a move to strengthen the identity and production of the region’s famed Dehradun Basmati rice, a high-level stakeholder meeting was conducted under the chairmanship of Chief Development Officer (CDO) Abhinav Shah at the Vikas Bhawan, here. The meeting was attended by local farmers, Chief Agriculture Officer, scientists from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), and officials from REAP Dehradun, a livelihood and knowledge management initiative under Uttarakhand Gramya Vikas Sansthan.
The primary focus of the meeting was to deliberate on the strategic growth of Basmati rice cultivation in the region. Discussions centered on key areas including improved sowing methods, integrated nutrient and pest management, and strengthening both pre-harvest and post-harvest practices to enhance yield and quality.
Delivering the keynote technical address, Dr Sanjay Kumar, agricultural scientist from Krishi Vigyan Kendra, shared in-depth guidance on soil preparation, use of certified seeds, ideal transplanting periods, water management techniques, and disease prevention. He also highlighted the importance of adopting climate-resilient and sustainable farming methods to adapt to changing weather patterns without compromising yield.
The Chief Agriculture Officer underscored the department’s ongoing schemes and support mechanisms aimed at providing technical assistance, seed inputs, and training to farmers engaged in Basmati cultivation. Emphasis was placed on aligning traditional knowledge with modern agricultural practices to preserve the unique aroma and grain quality of Dehradun Basmati.
Representatives from REAP Dehradun presented their field experiences and community engagement strategies. They reiterated their commitment to empowering farmers, especially women-led Self-Help Groups, under the HILANS brand—a state initiative that promotes organic and value-added products from the hills and foothills of Uttarakhand.
Speaking on the occasion, CDO Abhinav Shah emphasised the need for a holistic approach that integrates scientific knowledge, government support, and grassroots participation. He stated, “Dehradun Basmati is not just a crop but a heritage that holds economic, cultural, and geographical value. Strengthening this identity requires collective effort from institutions and farmers alike.”
The discussion also included strategies for better market access through House of Himalayas, brand development, and collective marketing models to ensure that farmers receive fair prices and recognition in both domestic and international markets. Plans to organise training camps, farmer exposure visits, and regular agri-advisory sessions were also proposed.
The meeting concluded with a renewed sense of collaboration among stakeholders and a clear roadmap to upscale Basmati cultivation sustainably while enhancing the livelihoods of farmers across the region.
