New Delhi, 7 July 2025 — In a significant step toward strengthening Uttarakhand’s agriculture and rural development sectors, Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan held a high-level meeting with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami in Delhi. The meeting focused on the challenges faced by the hill state, particularly in protecting crops from wild animals, promoting traditional and high-value crops, and enhancing rural infrastructure and livelihood opportunities.
The Union Minister appreciated the commendable efforts of the Uttarakhand Government in both agriculture and rural development, assuring full support from the Centre.
Protecting Crops from Wild Animals: Funds under MIDH
A key issue raised in the meeting was crop destruction by wild animals, especially in the border and hilly areas of Uttarakhand. Acknowledging the problem, Shri Chouhan announced that the Central Government will release funds under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) to support fencing and protective measures to safeguard crops. This initiative aims to stabilize farmer incomes and make agriculture viable in mountainous terrain.
Promotion of Traditional Millets: NFSM Support for Mandua and Jhingora
To revive traditional grains such as Mandua (finger millet) and Jhingora (barnyard millet), Shri Chouhan confirmed that the National Food Security Mission (NFSM) will provide funding to promote millet cultivation in Uttarakhand. These nutritious grains are well-suited to the local agro-climatic conditions and contribute to food security and dietary diversity.
Support for High-Density Apple Orchards and Kiwi Cultivation
The Union Minister expressed satisfaction with the state’s initiative to develop high-density apple orchards and confirmed central assistance for nursery development, marketing infrastructure, and cold storage units. He emphasized that the Centre will support Uttarakhand’s efforts in creating a complete value chain — from production to market — for apples.
Recognizing kiwi as a climate-suitable and resilient crop, Shri Chouhan assured support for its large-scale promotion, pointing out its lower susceptibility to animal damage and high market value.
Dragon Fruit Cultivation: Backing from the Dragon Fruit Mission
Shri Chouhan highlighted dragon fruit as a hardy, high-value crop with export potential, and assured full support from the Dragon Fruit Mission. With its long shelf life and resistance to wildlife, dragon fruit offers a reliable source of income for farmers in the hill state.
Centres of Excellence for Superfoods Approved
Addressing Uttarakhand’s proposal for the establishment of Centres of Excellence for superfoods, including honey, mushrooms, and exotic vegetables, the Union Minister announced that the proposal has been approved. These centers will focus on value addition, skill development, and entrepreneurship in niche agri-products, thus boosting local economies.
Rural Development: PMAY, PMGSY and Lakhpati Didi Goals Exceeded
The Union Minister praised Uttarakhand for completing its targets under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and completing a new beneficiary survey. He also acknowledged the strong performance of the state under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), and confirmed that Phase IV of PMGSY will be approved based on the proposals submitted by the state.
Highlighting women empowerment and rural prosperity, Shri Chouhan lauded the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative. He noted that Uttarakhand has not only met but increased its targets for empowering rural women and generating sustainable livelihoods. Performance under MGNREGA was also commended for its consistent impact.
Conclusion: Productive Dialogue and Centre-State Synergy
Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan concluded by saying that the meeting with the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand was highly productive, with a shared vision for the holistic development of agriculture and rural livelihoods. He assured that both the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Rural Development will extend comprehensive support to Uttarakhand’s growth aspirations.
“Together with the state government, we are committed to transforming Uttarakhand into a model of agricultural prosperity, resilient ecosystems, and empowered rural communities,” Shri Chouhan said.
For more details, check press release on PIB website.
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