Uttarakhand Chief Minister Inaugurates Major Agricultural Exhibition in Pantnagar
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami officially opened the 19th All India Farmers' Fair and Agro-Industrial Exhibition on Saturday at the Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology in Pantnagar. He described the event as a "Krishi Kumbh" that unites farmers, agricultural knowledge, and cutting-edge technology on a single, comprehensive platform.
Dignitaries and Officials Present at the Inauguration Ceremony
The inauguration ceremony was attended by numerous prominent figures, including:
- Vice-Chancellor Prof. Manmohan Singh Chauhan
- Kichha MLA Tilak Raj Behar
- Former minister Rajesh Kumar
- Former MLA Rajesh Shukla
- Rudrapur Mayor Vikas Sharma
- District BJP President Kamal Jindal
- District Panchayat President Ajay Maurya
- Mandi Parishad Chairman Anil Dabbu
- Director of Extension Education Dr. Jitendra Kwatra
Following the formal opening, Chief Minister Dhami toured various horticulture exhibitions and stalls organized by different colleges within the university. He also paid floral tributes at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi located in Gandhi Park as part of his visit.
Bridging the Gap Between Research and Farming Communities
Addressing the assembled farmers, CM Dhami emphasized the critical role such fairs play in closing the divide between agricultural research and practical farming. "Farmers can learn about improved seeds, modern farm machinery, scientific techniques, and new agricultural technologies all in one place. These innovations will benefit farmers directly and strengthen the entire agricultural sector," he stated.
He praised farmers as the backbone of the nation, highlighting their dual role as food providers and tireless workers who feed the country. "When farms prosper, villages prosper and the nation progresses," Dhami added, underscoring the interconnectedness of agricultural success and national development.
Government Initiatives and Support for Farmers
The Chief Minister detailed several key government initiatives aimed at supporting farmers, including:
- PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi
- Increased Minimum Support Price (MSP) for various crops
- Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (crop insurance scheme)
- Enhancement of Kisan Credit Card limits up to Rs 5 lakh
He further noted that the state government is providing additional support through interest-free loans up to Rs 3 lakh, free canal irrigation, and subsidies on farm machinery to alleviate financial burdens on farmers.
University's Role and Innovations Showcased
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Manmohan Singh Chauhan explained that the fair, organized biannually, offers farmers a unique opportunity to interact directly with scientists and learn about the latest technological advancements. "For the first time, an innovation stall has been set up to showcase technologies developed by the university in recent years," he announced, highlighting the event's evolving focus on practical applications.
Recognition and Participation at the Fair
The event also served as a platform to honor agricultural achievers. Nine progressive farmers and two agri-entrepreneurs from various districts across Uttarakhand were felicitated for their contributions to the sector.
With over 350 stalls established, the fair attracted a diverse audience of farmers not only from Uttarakhand but also from neighboring states and Nepal, demonstrating its wide-reaching impact and importance as a regional agricultural hub.
