Dehradun: The Uttarakhand government’s efforts to protect farmers’ crops from damage caused by wild animals are showing promising results. The central government has decided to provide renewed financial support to the state’s ongoing “Gher-Baad” (fencing) scheme, approving ₹25 crore in assistance. This information was shared by Ganesh Joshi during the state assembly’s budget session.
Protecting Crops in Hilly and Rural Areas
During the assembly discussion, it was highlighted that several rural and mountainous regions of Uttarakhand have been facing repeated crop losses due to wild animals. To address this challenge, the state government launched the Gher-Baad scheme, which involves creating protective fencing around agricultural fields to safeguard crops from wildlife.
Initially, the scheme received financial assistance under the National Agriculture Development Programme (NADP) from the central government. However, this support was later discontinued. To continue protecting farmers, the Uttarakhand government maintained the scheme under district-level planning, allocating its own resources to ensure uninterrupted implementation.
Central Government Approves ₹25 Crore Aid
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami actively raised the issue with the central government. In a recent meeting with Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the matter was discussed in detail, leading to the central government’s approval of ₹25 crore in aid for Uttarakhand. The Ministry of Agriculture has already sent the formal communication to the state department regarding the fund release.
Achievements of the Gher-Baad Scheme
According to information shared in the assembly, over the past three years, the Uttarakhand government has implemented fencing across 2,841 hectares of agricultural land through the district-level scheme. This initiative has benefited 44,429 farmers, providing protection against wild animal attacks on crops and contributing to enhanced farm incomes.
The state government believes that the Gher-Baad scheme significantly reduces crop damage, helping farmers secure their livelihoods in difficult terrains.
Plans for Expansion
Agriculture Minister Ganesh Joshi stated that the government is planning to further expand the Gher-Baad scheme. The current year’s budget allocates ₹10 crore specifically for this program, with a goal to include more farmers, particularly in the hilly and rural regions.
By expanding this initiative, the Uttarakhand government aims to ensure safe and profitable farming, reduce crop losses, and improve the overall economic condition of farmers in vulnerable areas.
