Union Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Mr. Shivraj Singh Chouhan met Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami in New Delhi on July 7, 2025, to review the state’s agriculture and rural development priorities. A major focus of the meeting was tackling crop losses due to wild animals, especially in hilly and border areas. Mr. Chouhan assured that funds under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) would be released to support fencing around farmlands.
Promotion of Traditional Crops and Millets
Recognising Uttarakhand’s unique agricultural identity, Mr. Chouhan announced Central financial support under the National Food Security and Nutrition Mission (NFSM) for promoting traditional millet varieties like Mandua (finger millet) and Jhingora (barnyard millet). These crops, known for their nutritional value and climate resilience, are deeply rooted in the region’s culture.
Boost to High-Value Horticulture
Mr. Chouhan also underlined the state’s potential in high-value fruit cultivation. He announced full Central support for the development of high-density apple orchards and infrastructure such as nurseries, grading units, and cold storage. Kiwi cultivation, which is less vulnerable to wildlife damage, and dragon fruit farming will also be scaled up with Central assistance, he said.
Centres of Excellence and Superfood Promotion
The Centre has approved Uttarakhand’s proposal to establish Centres of Excellence focused on superfoods including honey, mushrooms, and exotic vegetables. These initiatives aim to create value-added income streams for local farmers and boost rural entrepreneurship.
Rural Development Schemes on Track
Mr. Chouhan lauded Uttarakhand’s effective implementation of Central rural development schemes. He confirmed that the state has completed its survey under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and that Phase IV approval for the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) will be granted soon. He also appreciated the state’s performance under the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ programme and MGNREGA.
Strong Centre-State Collaboration Ahead
Calling the meeting “highly productive,” Mr. Chouhan reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to supporting Uttarakhand in its agricultural transformation and rural development. Both the Agriculture and Rural Development Ministries, he said, are fully aligned with the state’s vision for growth and prosperity.
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