Dehradun: The Uttarakhand government has announced a major initiative to develop one model agriculture and horticulture village in every development block across the state. The move aims to strengthen rural economy, increase farmers’ income, and promote modern as well as organic farming practices.
The decision was taken during a meeting of the Uttarakhand Agricultural Produce Marketing Board chaired by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami at the Chief Minister’s Camp Office.
Three-Year Action Plan to Boost Farmers’ Income
Chief Minister Dhami directed officials to prepare a comprehensive three-year action plan focused on:
- Increasing agricultural productivity
- Promoting organic farming
- Reducing farming costs
- Strengthening marketing and supply chains
He emphasized that all schemes should prioritize the welfare and income growth of farmers across the state.
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Selection of Model Villages Based on Local Conditions
The Chief Minister instructed that one village from each development block should be selected and developed as a model. The selection should be based on:
- Geographic and climatic conditions
- Soil quality
- Local agricultural potential
He added that crops such as fruits, vegetables, and other agricultural produce should be promoted based on regional suitability to maximize output and profitability.
Focus on Scientific Farming and Training
The government will work with institutions like Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar to organize large-scale training programs and agricultural workshops for farmers.
These initiatives will focus on:
- Advanced farming techniques
- High-quality seeds, plants, and fertilizers
- Scientific and sustainable agricultural practices
The Chief Minister also stressed the importance of promoting crop diversification, especially encouraging oilseed crops such as mustard, sesame, sunflower, and soybean.
Push for Organic Farming and Modern Technology
The state government plans to promote:
- Organic farming practices
- Bio-gas plants
- Solar-powered irrigation pumps
Farmers will also be supported in adopting digital platforms for marketing and selling their produce, ensuring better price realization and wider market access.
Strong Focus on ‘Lab to Land’ Approach
Chief Minister Dhami highlighted the need to connect agricultural research directly with farmers through a “Lab to Land” initiative, ensuring that innovations and technologies reach the grassroots level.
He said this approach will help farmers adopt modern techniques faster and improve productivity sustainably.
Government Commitment to Rural Transformation
Officials present in the meeting included Chairman of Uttarakhand Mandi Parishad Dr. Anil Kumar Dabb, Secretary Dr. S.N. Pandey, Additional Secretary Banshidhar Tiwari, and other senior officers.
The initiative is expected to transform Uttarakhand’s rural economy by making villages self-reliant hubs of sustainable and modern agriculture.
