Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announces a ₹100 crore Clean Plant Centre and a Kiwi Centre of Excellence in Uttarakhand during the Gauchar Agriculture Fair, aiming to boost horticulture, integrated farming, and farmer welfare in the hill state.
uttarakhand: The state-level Gauchar Agriculture Fair witnessed major announcements on Wednesday as Union Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the State Farmers’ Day celebrations and revealed a series of initiatives aimed at transforming Uttarakhand’s horticulture and farming sector.
Chouhan announced that Uttarakhand will soon establish a Clean Plant Centre worth ₹100 crore, dedicated to developing high-quality fruit plant varieties. The centre will help farmers access improved planting material and boost fruit production across the state.
Centre of Excellence for Kiwi with New Zealand Collaboration
Highlighting the state’s potential in high-value horticulture, the Union Minister revealed that India will collaborate with New Zealand to set up a Centre of Excellence for Kiwi and other fruits in Uttarakhand. He added that the goal is to develop the state into the “Fruit Capital of India” in the coming years.
He officially kicked off the monthly Kisan Diwas (Farmers’ Day) events for the state and informed that from 2026 onwards, Farmers’ Day will also be organized at the block level, ensuring wider participation and local-level agricultural awareness.
Minister Targets Congress Over VB Jayaram Scheme
Taking a dig at the Congress party, Chouhan said that the VB Jayaramji Scheme, which the opposition often criticizes changes in, was plagued with corruption earlier. He stated that reforms were necessary to ensure transparency and to strengthen rural and agricultural development.
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The minister noted that the financial outlay of the scheme has been enhanced from ₹88,000 crore to ₹1,51,282 crore, while the number of employment days under the program has been increased to 125 days.
New Budget Process and Agricultural Roadmap for Uttarakhand
Chouhan further announced reforms in the budget allocation process, stating that the Centre will now prioritize funds based on the specific needs of each state.
For Uttarakhand, he said that a comprehensive Agriculture Roadmap will be prepared. A team of scientists and officials will work under the guidance of the Prime Minister, Chief Minister, and senior leaders to chart a future-oriented plan for agriculture in the hill state.
The minister also urged farmers to adopt integrated farming systems, emphasizing diversification and sustainability. He assured support for fencing and protection schemes to safeguard hill farming from monkeys and other wild animals—a major challenge in the region.
Traditional Felicitation: Malte Basket and Ramman Mask Presented
During the event, the Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department honored Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan with traditional shawls. They were also presented with a Ramman heritage mask, recognized as part of UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage, along with baskets of local Malta and lemon grown in the hill districts.
The fair also showcased a variety of mountain products, modern agricultural tools, and innovative farming solutions, drawing attention from farmers across the region.
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