CM Dhami meets Union Minister Shivraj Chouhan, discusses implementation of agriculture schemes in state

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday met Union Agriculture, Rural Development, and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in New Delhi to deliberate on strengthening agriculture and allied sectors in the state.

The meeting focused on the implementation and expansion of various central schemes, along with new initiatives tailored for both hilly and plain regions of Uttarakhand.

During the discussion, CM Dhami presented a detailed proposal outlining a comprehensive development plan worth approximately ₹3,800 crore. The state government, he said, aims to uplift the agriculture and horticulture sectors while advancing farmer self-reliance through innovation, mechanisation, and promotion of traditional farming practices.

"These schemes include various aspects like innovation, mechanisation, technical inclusion and promotion of traditional agriculture. The Chief Minister thanked the Union Agriculture Minister for giving in-principle approval of Rs 3,800 crore for the agriculture-related schemes of the state," said a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).

CM Dhami highlighted the state's requirement of ₹1,052.80 crore to install agricultural fences in hilly areas to protect crops from wild animals. Additionally, a ₹400 crore plan has been proposed to establish 10,000 farm machinery banks targeting small, marginal, and women farmers.

The Chief Minister also shared that ₹134.89 crore has been allocated under the State Millet Mission to promote nutritious, traditional crops, while ₹5 crore has been earmarked to make Uttarakhand a seed production hub.

To boost apple farming, the state has outlined a ₹1,150 crore plan focusing on production, storage, and marketing systems. ₹894 crore has been projected for protecting high-value crops like kiwi from wildlife damage. Moreover, ₹885.10 crore is proposed to encourage innovation and startups in agriculture and horticulture.

In promoting alternative crops, a ₹42 crore initiative for low-risk crops such as dragon fruit has been formulated. The government is also investing in food processing and organic farming, with ₹36.50 crore dedicated to analytical laboratories and ₹378.50 crore for modernising land records and conducting digital surveys.

Skill-building is also a focus, with ₹14 crore proposed for training youth in agriculture through Pantnagar University and another ₹14 crore to establish an agritourism school. A microbiology lab is also planned at the Horticulture and Forestry University in Bharsar, backed by ₹16.11 crore.

The Chief Minister requested central assistance for setting up cold storage, grading units, high-quality nurseries, and Centres of Excellence for superfoods like mushrooms and exotic vegetables. He also sought support for promoting Kiwi and Dragon Fruit Missions and establishing an agro-tourism school in Pantnagar.

The Union Minister responded positively and extended in-principle approval to extend timelines for PMGSY phases 1 and 2 and assured consideration of PMGSY phase 4.

"I congratulate Uttarakhand CM and his team, Uttarakhand - Rural Development Department of the state has done good work. The targets of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana have been met. They have also done a new survey and verification will be complete soon. Even in Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, Uttarakhand has done well. We are also going to give approvals for the fourth phase of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. Uttarakhand has sent us proposals as per the parameters. They have also met the target of Lakhpati Didi. They had decided to raise the target and work is ongoing on that. Uttarakhand has also done satisfactorily well in MNREGA. Uttarakhand has expressed a few expectations regarding agriculture," said Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

He assured CM Dhami that the central government will prioritise the state's agricultural needs and extend all possible support to ensure prosperity for farmers in Uttarakhand.