Efforts to be aimed at turning U’khand into global fruit hub, says Chouhan
PIONEER NEWS SERVICE | Dehradun
Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that serious efforts will be made to turn Uttarakhand into a global fruit hub. He said that the field is the real laboratory for agricultural scientists. Therefore, he envisioned linking the ‘lab to land’ and launching the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan by forming teams of 16,000 scientists who will visit villages across the country. Chouhan was speaking as the chief guest at a programme organised as part of the Union Government’s Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan here on Friday. Under this campaign, the Union Agriculture Minister is interacting with farmers from across the country.
Chouhan said that this massive campaign has been initiated with the support of scientists, Central and State agriculture departments, and progressive farmers. He shared that 2,170 scientific teams are visiting villages across the country, considering regional characteristics, climate variation, soil fertility, and other important factors, and engaging directly with farmers. In Uttarakhand, 75 teams of scientists are engaging in direct dialogue with the farmers. The knowledge gathered from this research is guiding future agricultural strategies. He said, “There is no scientist greater than a farmer. Hence, the campaign promotes two-way communication — listening to the real-world problems of farmers to shape future research, policy, programsme and planning,” he said.
Chouhan said that many farmers in Uttarakhand expressed the need for fencing/barriers to protect crops from animals. He assured that under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), Uttarakhand will be given priority for this purpose, marking a significant step toward protecting crops and farmlands. The Union minister also said that the hills of Uttarakhand are full of miracles, and the fruits and vegetables produced here are excellent in comparison to other regions. He noted that Uttarakhand’s apples are now competing with those from Kashmir, indicating the state’s advancement in horticulture. He also mentioned the local fruit kafal (Myrica esculenta), stating that its medicinal properties are increasing its demand globally.
While speaking about millets, he remarked that Uttarakhand’s coarse grains are exceptional. The traditional grain ‘Mandua’ (finger millet) is gaining recognition widely. He emphasised the need to increase production of such traditional grains, develop high-quality seeds and focus on marketing and branding. He called for efforts to protect and boost the production of millets and other crops so that Indian products can gain global reach. He also noted that organic farming of such crops is already being practiced in many areas, which is highly beneficial for health — hence, concrete steps must be taken in this direction.
Chouhan stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and with the cooperation of the Uttarakhand government, a roadmap for agricultural development will be prepared in the State. He also pointed out that balanced use of pesticides can reduce the cost of farming, and that scientific advice should guide the use of pesticides — only as much as is needed. The Union minister also urged all farmers to use soil health cards and apply fertilisers based on the actual needs of the soil. He also announced that he would return to Uttarakhand on June 14 as part of the Agricultural Fair to meet with farmers once again.
Earlier, Chouhan interacted with farmers in the Pawwala Sauda village in Doiwala block of Dehradun as part of a Kisan Chaupal. He said that the government will focus its efforts on developing Uttarakhand into a horticultural hub.
