Almora: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday participated in the ‘Kheti Bachao Abhiyan’ (Save Farming Campaign) held in Hawalbagh, Almora, where he highlighted the critical role of farmers in sustaining society and the environment.
He described farmers as the real backbone and heroes of society, emphasizing that the welfare of farmers remains a top priority for the state government.
“Save Farming Movement Becoming a People’s Movement,” Says CM
Addressing the gathering, CM Dhami said the Save Farming movement has now transformed into a mass movement, with thousands of farmers actively participating in soil, water, and environmental conservation efforts.
He stressed that ensuring the prosperity of farmers is central to Uttarakhand’s development agenda.
Concern Over Declining Soil Fertility
The Chief Minister raised concern over the declining fertility of agricultural land, warning that excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides is damaging soil quality.
He urged farmers to:
- Conduct regular soil health testing
- Adopt natural and traditional farming methods
- Work towards restoring soil fertility for sustainable agriculture
He stated that protecting the health of “Mother Earth” is a shared responsibility of all citizens.
Climate Change Impacting Agriculture and Water Sources
CM Dhami highlighted the growing impact of climate change, noting irregular rainfall patterns, hailstorms, and increasing natural disasters.
He also expressed concern over the decline in water sources, including rivers like the Koshi, and stressed the need to conserve:
- Traditional water systems (naulas and gadheras)
- Local water bodies and natural springs
- Forest-based water resources
He called for collective efforts to protect the environment for future generations.
Government Schemes Supporting Farmers’ Income Growth
The Chief Minister outlined several government initiatives aimed at strengthening the agricultural sector, including:
- Promotion of polyhouse farming
- Support for rain-fed agriculture development
- Encouragement of fruit cultivation and aromatic farming
- Expansion of the “Mahak Kranti” (Aroma Revolution) policy
He said these initiatives are helping increase farmers’ income and promote diversified agriculture in the state.
Crop Insurance and Direct Benefit Transfer Strengthened
CM Dhami said that the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana is providing financial security to farmers.
He also highlighted that benefits from various schemes are being directly transferred to farmers’ bank accounts, ensuring transparency and efficiency in delivery.
Push for Natural Farming and Crop Protection Measures
The Chief Minister urged farmers to adopt natural farming practices and prioritize soil testing to improve productivity sustainably.
He also emphasized the need for protective fencing (fencing schemes) to safeguard crops from wild animals, which remain a major challenge in hilly regions.
Call for Collective Environmental Responsibility
CM Dhami concluded by calling on farmers and citizens to take a collective pledge for:
- Sustainable agriculture
- Soil health preservation
- Water conservation
- Environmental protection
He reiterated that balancing economic growth and environmental sustainability is essential for long-term development.
The ‘Save Farming Campaign’ in Almora highlighted the Uttarakhand government’s focus on sustainable agriculture, farmer welfare, and climate-resilient farming practices, while reinforcing the importance of protecting soil, water, and traditional farming systems.
