Almora: Uttarakhand Agriculture Minister Ganesh Joshi described the Central Budget as a step toward realizing the vision of a developed India by 2047. Speaking at a press conference in Nainital and Almora, Joshi highlighted key initiatives aimed at boosting tourism, agriculture, women’s empowerment, and rural development in the state.
Central Budget to Shape State Budget Roadmap
Minister Joshi said that the upcoming Uttarakhand state budget would be prepared in alignment with the Central Budget, providing a clear roadmap for the state’s development. He emphasized that sectors such as medical tourism, wedding destinations, trekking, and religious tourism would be developed to attract investment and create new employment opportunities.
“The Central Budget will accelerate tourism development in hilly states. The state budget will reflect all developmental priorities, ensuring better infrastructure, education, and health services,” Joshi said.
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Women’s Empowerment and Rural Development
To promote women’s self-reliance, Minister Joshi announced plans to open “Mahila Haat” markets in every district, providing women with platforms to sell handicrafts, agricultural products, and local goods.
He also highlighted plans to boost agricultural productivity despite declining farmland area, with a focus on high-value crops such as millets, kiwi, and dragon fruit. These crops are less susceptible to damage from monkeys and wild pigs, reducing losses for farmers.
Cluster-Based Farming on Barren Land
Minister Joshi revealed that the government is collecting data on barren land across the state. These lands will soon be used for cluster-based farming projects, enabling large-scale cultivation of crops suitable for hilly regions while improving farmer incomes.
“We aim to transform barren lands into productive farms, increasing agricultural output and providing better livelihoods for farmers,” he added.
Infrastructure and Tourism Development
Key infrastructure projects and tourism initiatives highlighted by Joshi include:
- Bagheshwar-Tanakpur railway route development to improve connectivity
- Creation of 500 new Amrit Sarovars to support water conservation and agriculture
- Promotion of Uttarakhand as a hub for medical, marriage, trekking, and religious tourism
Worker Welfare and JI-RAM-JI Scheme
Minister Joshi also addressed labor welfare, stating that the JI-RAM-JI scheme budget has been increased and working days extended. He added that the state government is considering top-up wages for laborers to improve earnings and encourage productivity.
Palihauses and Farmer Support
On the issue of Palihauses, Joshi said corrective actions are underway. The previous director was removed, and eligible farmers will soon be allotted greenhouses. The government is also reviewing the deployment of gardeners and support staff to ensure effective maintenance and productivity.
Read also: Uttarakhand Tourism Crosses Historic 6-Crore Mark in 2025, Haridwar Emerges as Top Destination
