Rudrapur: The “Khet Bachao Abhiyan” (Save the Farmland Campaign) was officially inaugurated on Friday at Gandhi Maidan in Rudrapur under the initiative of the Agriculture Department, marking a major push toward agricultural sustainability and rural development in Uttarakhand.
The campaign was jointly inaugurated by Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Agriculture and Cabinet Minister Ganesh Joshi, and District In-charge Minister Pradeep Batra, by lighting a ceremonial lamp.
The event also saw the inauguration and foundation laying of development projects worth ₹369.66 crore, along with key announcements aimed at transforming agriculture, horticulture, and rural infrastructure in the state.
₹369.66 Crore Development Projects Inaugurated and Launched
A total of 41 development projects were covered during the event, including:
- 9 projects inaugurated worth ₹46.32 crore
- 32 projects with foundation stones laid worth ₹323.34 crore
Together, these projects amount to ₹369.66 crore, focusing on infrastructure, agriculture modernization, and rural development initiatives across Uttarakhand.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan Highlights Agriculture Transformation Vision
Addressing the gathering, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized that Uttarakhand is witnessing rapid progress under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He said that significant efforts are being made to diversify agriculture, strengthen traditional farming systems, and transform Uttarakhand into a horticulture hub.
He further announced that Centres of Excellence will be established in collaboration with New Zealand and the Netherlands, focusing on advanced agricultural practices and horticulture development.
Key Agricultural and Horticulture Announcements
Several major announcements were made to strengthen the agricultural ecosystem in Uttarakhand:
Horticulture Infrastructure Boost
- ₹100 crore Clean Plant Centre to be set up in Mukteshwar for high-quality apple, walnut, and almond plants
- ₹4 crore assistance for large nurseries
- ₹2 crore grant for small nurseries
- ₹15 crore Centre of Excellence in Chaubattia (Almora)
- ₹15 crore kiwi production project in collaboration with New Zealand
Farmer Protection and Technology Support Initiatives
To support farmers and improve agricultural resilience, the government announced:
- ₹65 crore allocated for fencing (barbed wire protection) to safeguard crops from wild animals
- ₹104 crore approved for automatic weather stations across the state
- Enhanced effectiveness of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana through improved weather data
These measures aim to reduce crop damage, improve forecasting accuracy, and support informed farming decisions.
Focus on Soil Conservation and Sustainable Farming
Shivraj Singh Chouhan stressed that agriculture is not only a means of production but also a responsibility toward the earth.
He urged farmers to:
- Adopt soil conservation practices
- Use fertilizers based on soil testing
- Promote natural and organic farming
- Ensure sustainable use of natural resources
He highlighted that challenges like climate change, groundwater depletion, and declining soil quality can only be addressed through scientific research and modern agricultural technology.
Uttarakhand Aiming to Become Horticulture Hub: CM Dhami
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that a healthy farmer and fertile soil are the foundation of a developed Uttarakhand and a developed India.
He described the “Khet Bachao Abhiyan” as more than a government initiative, calling it a people’s movement to protect future generations.
Major Farmer Welfare Schemes in Uttarakhand
The Chief Minister highlighted several ongoing state schemes, including:
- Up to ₹3 lakh interest-free agricultural loans
- Free irrigation through canal systems
- Up to 80% subsidy under Farm Machinery Bank Scheme
- Special programs to strengthen rain-fed agriculture
- Expansion of polyhouses, cold storage, cold chain, and mega food parks
These initiatives aim to improve productivity and ensure farmers receive better market value for their produce.
Agricultural University Alumni Meet Also Inaugurated
Alongside the campaign, a two-day Alumni Meet at Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (GBPUAT), Pantnagar was inaugurated by Shivraj Singh Chouhan, CM Dhami, and Minister Ganesh Joshi.
The Union Minister praised GBPUAT as a prestigious institution that has significantly contributed to India’s agricultural progress by producing scientists, policymakers, and skilled professionals.
Government Push for Natural Farming and Market Expansion
Officials also emphasized:
- Promotion of natural and organic farming practices
- Expansion of cold chain and storage infrastructure
- Better market access for local agricultural products nationally and internationally
- Strengthening of traditional crops like mandua and jhangora, with MSP support proposed
The Khet Bachao Abhiyan in Rudrapur marks a significant step toward transforming Uttarakhand’s agricultural landscape. With over ₹369 crore worth of projects, major investments in horticulture, weather forecasting systems, and farmer protection measures, the initiative aims to build a more sustainable, technology-driven, and profitable farming ecosystem in the state.
The campaign reinforces a broader vision of making Uttarakhand a leading horticulture hub of India, while ensuring soil conservation, farmer welfare, and rural prosperity remain central to development planning.
