Dehradun / Delhi: The Uttarakhand government has prepared comprehensive schemes of about Rs 3800 crore with the aim of overall development of agriculture and horticulture sector and making farmers self-reliant. These schemes include various aspects like innovation, mechanization, technical inclusion and promotion of traditional agriculture.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed his gratitude to Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for giving in-principle consent of Rs 3800 crore for the agriculture related schemes of the state. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met Union Agriculture, Rural Development and Farmer Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in New Delhi.
During this, discussions were held regarding the implementation of various schemes related to agriculture and related to the state. The Chief Minister also discussed the proposed schemes prepared by the state government for the agricultural and horticultural needs of the hilly and plain areas of the state and the economic strength of the farmers. The Chief Minister informed that this cooperation will prove to be an important step towards making the agriculture sector of the state self-reliant and modern.
The Chief Minister informed the Union Minister that a requirement of Rs 1,052.80 crore has been identified for the construction of agricultural fence to protect the crops of the hilly areas in the state from wild animals. Apart from this, a scheme of Rs 400 crore has been proposed to establish 10,000 farm machinery banks in the state, which will benefit small, marginal farmers and women.
A provision of Rs 134.89 crore has been made under the State Millet Mission to promote traditional nutritious crops. A scheme of Rs 5 crore has also been prepared to develop the state as a seed hub for self-sufficiency in seed production. A scheme of Rs 1,150 crore has been proposed to promote apple production, strengthen storage and marketing system.
A requirement of Rs 894 crore has been shown to protect the promotion and cultivation of cash crops like kiwi from wildlife. An investment of Rs 885.10 crore is proposed to promote innovation and startups in agriculture and horticulture sector. A plan of Rs 42 crore has also been prepared to encourage low-risk crops like dragon fruit.
The Chief Minister said that the state government is actively working in the field of food processing and value addition. A provision of Rs 36.50 crore has been made for setting up analysis laboratories to promote organic farming. A plan of Rs 378.50 crore has been proposed under the modernization of land records and digital survey.
Along with this, a plan of Rs 14 crore has been prepared to make the youth skilled in agriculture sector through Pantnagar University and Rs 14 crore for the establishment of Agritourism School. A provision of Rs 16.11 crore is proposed for the establishment of Microbiology Laboratory in Uttarakhand Horticulture and Forestry University, Bharsar.
Apart from this, the Chief Minister also requested the Union Minister for central assistance for setting up high quality nurseries, cold storage, sorting and grading units in view of apple production in the state, promoting Kiwi and Dragon Fruit Mission, setting up of Center of Excellence for Super Foods (Mushrooms and Exotic Vegetables) and setting up of Agro Tourism School in Pantnagar Agricultural University.
On the request of the Chief Minister, the Union Minister gave in-principle consent to extend the time limit for the remaining works of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) 1 and 2. He also assured to give in-principle consent to the proposal of PMGSY 4. The Union Minister appreciated the excellent work being done by the Uttarakhand Government in various fields of agriculture and rural development.
The Union Agriculture Minister, while giving a positive response to the proposals presented by the Chief Minister, assured that the agricultural needs of Uttarakhand will be taken into consideration on priority basis and all possible support will be provided for the prosperity of the farmers of the state.
