my uttarakhand news Bureau
Pantnagar, 7 Nov: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated a grand Farmers’ Convention at the G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, today as part of the Silver Jubilee celebrations of Uttarakhand’s statehood. On the occasion, the CM felicitated progressive farmers and Lakhpati Didis from various sectors including agriculture, horticulture, dairy, fisheries, and cooperation, presenting them with commendation certificates, symbolic mementoes, and angavastrams. Agriculture Minister Ganesh Joshi also attended the event.
The CM also made some important announcements on this occasion aimed at boosting farmers’ income. Addressing the gathering, he extended his greetings to the farming community and added that the hard work and sacrifice of the farmers are the true capital of the state, and their sweat is its greatest strength. The CM paid tribute to all the farmers who played a role in the creation of Uttarakhand and those who have contributed tirelessly to making the state self-reliant over the past 25 years. He described the convention as not merely a programme to discuss agricultural policies, but as an expression of gratitude to the farmer families who sustain the state. Emphasising that the nation’s progress is impossible without the empowerment of farmers, Dhami asserted that the dream of a developed India, as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, would only be fulfilled when every farmer is prosperous.
The CM said that India has always been an agriculture-based civilisation and that farming is the foundation of human life. He observed that agriculture nurtures both tradition and culture, determining the rhythm of festivals and the values of society. Quoting the scriptures, he said that farming is a source of wealth and wisdom. Recalling his own roots, he stated that as the son of a farmer and soldier, he finds divine satisfaction in tilling the soil and feeding people. He shared that he continues to engage in farming whenever he visits his village, which keeps him spiritually grounded and connected to his land and duty.
Dhami announced that an amount of Rs 200 crores has been earmarked for the construction of polyhouses to boost income, with 350 polyhouses already built under this initiative. The government is also providing a Rs 20 per quintal bonus on wheat procurement and has increased the sugarcane rate by Rs 20 per quintal. He also reminded that a Rs 1,000-crores Uttarakhand Climate Responsive Rain-Fed Farming Project has been approved to promote sustainable agriculture in hill districts. He said that special policies such as the New Apple Policy, Kiwi Policy, Dragon Fruit Policy, and State Millet Mission worth Rs 1,200 crores are being implemented with subsidies up to 80 per cent to promote horticulture.
The CM also shared that the government is granting financial assistance for establishing grading and sorting units to enhance the quality of produce. The state now boasts over 50 mushroom units, 30 beekeeping units, 30 cold chain units, 18 cold storages, and two mega food parks. Under the Horticulture Mission, grants ranging from 50 to 55 per cent are being provided for nursery development, post-harvest management, and processing. As a result, fruit productivity has risen from 1.82 metric tonnes per hectare to 4.52 metric tonnes. Uttarakhand now ranks fifth nationally in mushroom production, increasing from 500 metric tonnes at the time of state formation to 27,390 metric tonnes today, and eighth in honey production with 3,320 metric tonnes.
Dhami reminded that under the Japan-aided Uttarakhand Integrated Horticultural Development Project worth Rs 526 crore, comprehensive horticultural development is underway in Tehri, Uttarkashi, Nainital, and Pithoragarh districts. The Aromatic Plant Centre has promoted crops like lemongrass, mint, rose, bay leaf, and chamomile over 9,500 hectares, connecting over 28,000 farmers across 109 aroma clusters. The Chief Minister noted that tea cultivation has expanded from 196 hectares at the time of statehood to 1,585 hectares now, producing six lakh kilograms of green leaves and about 1.5 lakh kilograms of processed tea. He announced that tea tourism is being developed in Silingtaung (Champawat), Shyamkhet and Ghodakhal (Nainital), and Kausani (Bageshwar), linking agriculture with tourism and generating employment for youth.
Highlighting the major reforms introduced under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership since 2014, the Chief Minister called the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi a boon for farmers. He noted that more than 11 crore farmers nationwide, including 9 lakhs from Uttarakhand, are receiving direct financial assistance under this scheme. He said that the Central Government’s agricultural policies have been made farmer-centric, ensuring that the best modern facilities and technologies are accessible even in rural India.
He reminded that the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for all major crops has been substantially raised to ensure fair returns to farmers. The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana provides protection against natural disasters and crop losses, while the Soil Health Card scheme enables farmers to enhance productivity through scientific soil testing. He mentioned that under the Farm Machinery Bank scheme, farmers are being given an 80 per cent subsidy to purchase modern equipment, and interest-free loans up to Rs 3 lakh are available. In addition, canal irrigation has been made completely free for farmers. Dhami declared that the Silver Jubilee year marks a renewed resolve to strengthen the slogan ‘Uttarakhand’s Farmer- Uttarakhand’s Pride.’
Agriculture Minister Ganesh Joshi congratulated the farmers on the Silver Jubilee and said that historic progress has been achieved in agriculture and horticulture over the last 25 years. He remarked that the PM cares equally for the farmers and soldiers, and through direct benefit transfers, he has ensured that funds reach the accounts of 10 crore farmers across the country. He proudly stated that Uttarakhand now ranks third after Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh in horticultural production.
Joshi asserted that the farmers are the nation’s food providers, and their strength determines the nation’s strength. He said the State Government is continuously working to improve farmers’ livelihoods, and that women, through self-help groups, are also advancing towards self-reliance. So far, 1.65 lakh women in the state have become Lakhpati Didis, symbolising the success of the self-reliance movement.
Presiding over the event, the local MLA, Tilak Raj Behad, said that under the leadership of CM Dhami, the state is progressing rapidly. The CM’s regular interactions with farmers reflect his commitment to their welfare. He urged all representatives to rise above political lines to focus on resolving public issues. He expressed gratitude for the announcement of an industrial park in Kichha and thanked the Chief Minister for approving road repairs in Pantnagar.
Among those present on the occasion were Anil Kapoor Dabbu, Balraj Passi, Uttam Datta, Khatib Ahmed, Mayor Vikas Sharma, Deepak Bali, Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan, Secretary to CM and Kumaon Commissioner Deepak Rawat, Secretary SN Pandey, District Magistrate Nitin Singh Bhadauria, and SSP, Nainital, Manjunath TC.
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