Garhwal Post Bureauo
ALMORA, 6 Jun: A state-level ‘Khet Bachaao Abhiyaan (Save the Fields Campaign)’ was organised with grandeur at Hawalbagh in Almora Saturday to safeguard the future of agriculture and farmers amidst the challenges of climate change. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami as the chief guest. The programme focussed on soil conservation, maintaining fertility, and raising awareness among the farmers about future challenges. On this occasion, the farmers were urged to protect traditional crops such as mandua, jhangora, chaulai and other millets, while increasing their production.
The Chief Minister addressed the gathering saying, ‘Khet Bachaao Abhiyaan (Save the Fields Campaign)’ is no longer merely a government initiative, but it has become a people’s movement now. He added that being among the farmers in Almora brings him new energy and he called upon them to pledge to protect their land, soil and natural resources. Stressing that farmers are not only food providers but also the strength of the nation, he said soil is revered like a mother in Indian culture and its fertility must be preserved by minimising chemical use. The CM also added that it is the responsibility of all to leave behind a healthy and secure agricultural system for the future generations. He shared that an amount of Rs 200 crores has been provisioned in the budget to enhance farmers’ income.
Dhami also urged the farmers to conduct regular soil testing, use water judiciously and to adopt scientific methods of farming in line with expert advice and research. He emphasised on the need to select crops according to changing weather and climate conditions. He said ecology and economy are complementary and balance between the two is essential. Referring to the Prime Minister’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’, he stressed on the importance of drawing inspiration from those working for the conservation of water, forests, land and nature.
The CM also asserted that the state government is continuously working for the farmers’ prosperity. He reminded that several schemes have been launched in horticulture, including polyhouses, fruit cultivation, cold storage, mega food parks and aromatic crops. Presently, aromatic crops are being promoted across nearly 23,000 hectares in the state, while millets are receiving special encouragement. He further added that the farmers are being given benefits directly through DBT, eliminating middlemen. He said Uttarakhand’s success in increasing farmers’ income places it in the forefront nationally, reflecting the effectiveness of government policies. He asserted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the government believes in delivering results on the ground rather than making promises. He also announced that fencing works worth Rs 6 crore will be undertaken in Almora district under the fencing scheme.
Agriculture Minister Ganesh Joshi said the farmers should adopt natural and organic farming to increase production. He noted that under the leadership of the Chief Minister, the state government has achieved remarkable progress in education, employment and health, providing jobs to over 30,000 youth in government departments. He added that effective policies have been framed to promote crops such as dragon fruit, kiwi and millets, and despite shrinking farmland, agricultural output has risen significantly. He stressed that saving fields is essential for building a self-reliant Uttarakhand.
District Magistrate Anshul Singh said the administration is committed to implementing government policies and schemes sensitively, ensuring benefits reach the people under the Chief Minister’s leadership.
The programme witnessed participation of a large number of farmers, women’s groups, public representatives and officials, who pledged to promote soil conservation, agricultural protection and climate-resilient farming. Farmers excelling in their work were also felicitated. Among those present on this occasion included MLAs Pramod Nainwal, Mohan Singh Mahara and Mahesh Gina, District Panchayat Chairperson Hema Gaida, Ganga Bisht, Govind Pilakhwal, Mayor Ajay Verma, Agriculture Secretary Surendra Narayan Pandey, Director Agriculture, District Magistrate Anshul Singh, Chief Development Officer Ramji Sharan Sharma, along with numerous public representatives, officials and farmers.
