By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Dehradun, 18 Apr: The state government is encouraging farmers to move away from traditional farming and adopt cash crops. Recently, the State Cabinet approved policies related to millets, kiwi, and dragon fruit farming, under which more than 317,000 farmers are expected to benefit.
Under the Uttarakhand State Millets Policy, the government has approved a plan worth Rs 134.89 crore for 11 hill districts up to the year 2030-31. Farmers growing crops like Mandua (finger millet), Jhangora (barnyard millet), Ramdana (amaranth), Kauni (foxtail millet), and Chena will receive 80% subsidy on seeds and bio-fertilisers.
Additionally, Rs 4000 per hectare will be given for line sowing; Rs 2000 per hectare for direct sowing. Every year, 2 farmers/groups per development block will be awarded for excellence. One millet processing unit per block will be established and a Shri Anna Food Park will also be set up under the scheme.
Under the Kiwi Policy, the government will provide 70% subsidy (up to Rs 12 lakh per acre) for kiwi orchard establishment, while the beneficiary will bear 30% of the cost. This policy excludes Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar and covers the remaining 11 districts. The total budget for the policy is Rs 894 crore, aiming to cover 3500 hectares and benefit around 17,500 farmers. Currently, kiwis are cultivated on 683 hectares, producing 382 metric tonnes annually.
Similarly, the Dragon Fruit Cultivation Scheme targets Udham Singh Nagar, Haridwar, Nainital, Bageshwar, Pauri, Dehradun and Tehri districts. Cultivation will be promoted through modern and scientific techniques. By 2027-28, Rs 15 crore will be invested, aiming to benefit 450 farmers. The scheme provides an 80% subsidy (Rs 8 lakh per acre) for orchard establishment, with the remaining 20% is to be covered by the farmer. Presently, dragon fruit is grown on 35 acres, yielding 70 metric tonnes annually.
