In a significant push for hill agriculture, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, unveiled a multi-pronged strategy for Uttarakhand's farming sector during the Farmers' Day celebrations in Gauchar, Chamoli. The minister announced substantial financial allocations, a vision to develop the state as a national horticulture hub, and direct interaction with the farming community to address their challenges.
Financial Boost and Insurance Relief for Farmers
The event witnessed a major digital transfer of benefits under the Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme (WBCIS). Chouhan directly transferred insurance claim payouts amounting to Rs 65 crore to the bank accounts of approximately 88,000 farmers in the state via the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism. This move is aimed at providing immediate relief and safeguarding farmers against climate-related crop losses.
Further strengthening infrastructure, the Union Minister announced the establishment of a Clean Plant Centre in Uttarakhand with an allocation of Rs 100 crore. This centre will focus on producing high-quality, disease-free planting material, which is crucial for the horticulture sector's health and productivity.
Roadmap for a Horticulture Capital and Infrastructure Support
Chouhan assured full technical and institutional support from the central government to transform Uttarakhand into the country's horticulture capital. He revealed that a dedicated team of expert agriculturists, scientists, and officials is crafting a detailed five-year roadmap to achieve this goal. He emphasized that integrated farming is the key to prosperity in the hill state.
Addressing the persistent issue of human-wildlife conflict, the minister announced an additional Rs 90 crore under the agricultural fencing scheme. This fund is designated to help farmers protect their crops from damage caused by wild animals.
To enhance rural connectivity and ensure faster transport of perishable farm produce, Chouhan handed over a formal approval letter for Rs 1,706.94 crore to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. This substantial sum will be utilized under the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) to construct 1,228.2 km of roads, connecting 309 remote hamlets and villages.
Direct Dialogue and Recognition for Farmers
The programme was marked by a direct interaction session where farmers shared their innovations and concerns. Neeraj Bhatt, a progressive farmer from Chamoli, informed the minister about his successful initiative of bringing saffron from Kashmir and cultivating it locally. Chouhan praised this effort, noting that such diversification can significantly boost agricultural output and farmers' income.
Another farmer, Sudhir Shaili from Gauchar, appealed for the continuation of the Ghasiyari scheme, highlighting its positive impact on milk production in the region. The event also served as a platform to honor local farmers for their exemplary contributions. Several farmers were presented with the Kisan Bhushan Award for their work in agriculture and allied sectors.
Chouhan commended the Uttarakhand government's unique initiative of observing Kisan Diwas on the second Thursday of every month, during which officials visit farmers at their doorsteps to resolve grievances and disseminate information about welfare schemes.
State Agriculture Minister Ganesh Joshi, who was also present, highlighted the pivotal role being played by young farmers and self-help groups in transforming the agricultural landscape of Uttarakhand.
