Dehradun: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday inaugurated the Uttarakhand Malta Festival at the Government Garden Circuit House in Garhi Cantt, Dehradun, announcing the launch of a ‘Malta Mission’ to boost malta (hill orange) production across the state. He also revealed plans to organize a similar Malta Festival in New Delhi to give the state’s produce wider national exposure.
Promoting Malta as Uttarakhand’s Identity
Speaking at the event, CM Dhami said that malta is closely linked to Uttarakhand’s cultural identity and tradition, and horticulture can play a crucial role in strengthening the state’s economy. He said the government has already launched successful initiatives such as the Apple Mission and Kiwi Mission, and the Malta Mission will be introduced on similar lines to unlock the crop’s full potential.
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Focus on Branding and Market Access
The Chief Minister emphasized that the state government is taking several steps to brand Uttarakhand’s malta and provide better market access to farmers. Organising malta festivals in every district is part of this strategy. To ensure national-level recognition, the government will also host a Malta Festival in Delhi, he said.
Support for Farmers and Horticulture Growth
CM Dhami stated that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state government is fully committed to increasing farmers’ income. Through encouragement of modern techniques, innovation, and targeted support in agriculture and horticulture, the government aims to strengthen rural livelihoods. He said these initiatives would help check migration and create employment opportunities for youth closer to their villages.
Subsidies, MSP, and Infrastructure Push
The Chief Minister highlighted that the state is promoting orchards of malta, apple, pear, kiwi, walnut, peach, and citrus fruits through crop-based cluster development. Minimum Support Price (MSP) has been declared for malta and galgal.
The government is also providing:
- 50% subsidy on plantation,
- 70–80% subsidy on micro-irrigation, and
- Up to 60% subsidy for food processing units.
He also referred to the aromatic plants centre at Selakui, noting that the state has launched the ‘Mehak Kranti’ to promote large-scale cultivation of aromatic plants.
Interaction with Farmers and Exhibitions
CM Dhami, accompanied by his wife Geeta Pushkar Dhami, visited the exhibition showcasing malta and lemon varieties from different districts. They also tasted various products made from citrus fruits.
The Chief Minister praised Harish, a malta grower from Pauri Garhwal, who has planted nearly 1,000 saplings of 53 varieties and plans to plant 200 more this year. He urged other farmers to draw inspiration from such efforts.
Leaders Express Confidence in Horticulture Growth
Agriculture Minister Ganesh Joshi said promoting production, processing, and marketing of local fruits like malta would bring direct benefits to farmers and open up new self-employment opportunities. He expressed confidence that Uttarakhand will emerge as one of India’s leading horticulture states within the next five years.
Dignitaries Present
The event was attended by MP Naresh Bansal, MLA Savita Kapoor, Kailash Pant, Pratap Singh Panwar, Agriculture Secretary Dr. S.N. Pandey, senior officials, public representatives, and farmers from across the state.
