Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami recently met Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan in New Delhi to review and discuss the implementation of central agricultural schemes in the state. The meeting comes at a time when the state government is actively seeking to strengthen rural livelihoods and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
During the meeting, CM Dhami highlighted the need for greater support from the central government in rolling out key agricultural schemes in the hill state. He spoke about the challenges faced by farmers in Uttarakhand due to the difficult terrain, limited land availability, and climate-related concerns. Emphasizing the importance of region-specific solutions, Dhami called for the inclusion of more farmer-centric initiatives suited to the local conditions.
One of the primary topics discussed was the expansion of organic and natural farming in Uttarakhand. CM Dhami stated that the state has immense potential for organic cultivation due to its relatively unpolluted soil and climate. He also emphasized the need for better access to markets, training for farmers, and infrastructure for storage and distribution of agricultural produce.
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan appreciated the efforts taken by the Uttarakhand government and assured that the Centre is committed to supporting the agricultural development of the state. He emphasized the importance of implementing national schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, and the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund to boost productivity and ensure income stability for farmers.
Chouhan also encouraged the state to adopt digital tools and modern technologies in farming to improve efficiency and reduce costs. He assured that necessary technical support, training programs, and financial aid would be provided to accelerate the progress of central schemes in the state.
Another key area of discussion was the creation of farmer-producer organizations (FPOs) to strengthen collective bargaining power and market access for small and marginal farmers. Both leaders agreed that forming more FPOs could lead to better income generation and reduce farmers' dependency on middlemen.
In addition, the Chief Minister requested special support for promoting high-altitude farming and cultivating medicinal plants, which are unique to the Himalayan region. He also stressed the importance of increasing employment opportunities for rural youth through agri-based start-ups and self-employment schemes.
The meeting ended on a positive note with both sides reaffirming their commitment to work together to uplift the farming community in Uttarakhand. The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the Union Ministry’s support would help the state achieve its goals in agricultural development, self-sufficiency in food production, and rural empowerment.
This high-level discussion between the state and central government highlights the continued focus on improving agriculture in hilly regions and the importance of cooperation between different levels of governance for the benefit of farmers.
