Garhwal Post Bureau
DEHRADUN, 20 Dec: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the ‘Mushroom Gram’ developed by MB Foods in Buggawala, Haridwar district. On this occasion, he said that this initiative is a significant step towards increasing farmers’ income, strengthening the rural economy and encouraging innovation in the agricultural sector. Appreciating the efforts of MB Foods team, Chief Minister said that mushroom production is an effective enterprise that yields more profit in less land, less water and less time, through which farmers can earn additional income.
The Chief Minister said that through this project, local youth and women will get new opportunities for self-employment and self-help groups will also gain economic strength. He expressed confidence that the ‘Mushroom Gram’ model will become a source of inspiration for other regions of the state and provide a new direction to agriculture-based entrepreneurship.
Pushkar Singh Dhami said that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country is moving rapidly towards realising the resolution of ‘Developed India’. Central government is working continuously with the goal of doubling the income of farmers. He stated that under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, financial assistance is being provided to 11 crore farmers across the country, from which about 9 lakh farmers of Uttarakhand are also benefiting. Along with this, farmers are receiving extensive benefits from increase in Minimum Support Price and schemes like Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, and Soil Health Cards.
The Chief Minister said that schemes such as Kisan Maandhan Yojana, Millet Mission, Baagwani Vikas Mission, Krishi Yantra Subsidy, Boond-Boond Sinchayi Yojana and Digital Krishi Mission are empowering farmers. He said that in this year’s budget, increasing the limit of Kisan Credit Card from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh is a historic decision for the farmers.
Dhami said that the state government is also working with full commitment for the upliftment of farmers. Under the Farm Machinery Bank Yojana, a subsidy of up to 80 per cent on agricultural equipment, interest–free loans up to Rs 3 lakh and free irrigation facilities from canals are being provided. He informed that for the purpose of increasing the income of farmers, a provision of Rs 200 crore has been made for polyhouse construction, under which about 350 polyhouses have been established so far.
The Chief Minister said that a bonus of Rs 20 per quintal on wheat procurement, an increase of Rs 30 per quintal in sugarcane prices, the new Apple Policy, Kiwi Policy, State Millet Mission and Dragon Fruit Policy are taking agriculture and horticulture in the state to new heights. Along with this, through ‘Mahak Kranti’, direct benefits are being provided to thousands of farmers by promoting the cultivation of aromatic crops.
The CM said that through the ‘House of Himalayas’ brand, work is being done to give national and international recognition to local agricultural products of the state. He expressed confidence that with all these efforts, Uttarakhand will become self-reliant in the agricultural sector and prosperity of farmers will be ensured.
At the end of the programme, the Chief Minister appealed to the citizens of Buggawala and Haridwar region for cooperation in the government’s efforts, saying that through public participation alone, Devbhoomi Uttarakhand can be made a leading state in all sectors, including agriculture.
Cabinet Minister Ganesh Joshi, MLA Pradip Batra, the District Magistrate, Senior Superintendent of Police, along with all district-level officers and a large number of local people, were present at the programme.
