Chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat has directed the formation of a committee comprising vice chancellors of the Bharsar university and GB Pant university for the revival and expansion of apple, pear and other fruit orchards in the state. A plan for skill development of farmers should also be made. A survey should be conducted to ascertain damage to farming by wild animals and fencing and construction of boundary walls should be undertaken on priority in the worst affected areas. The CM issued these instructions while reviewing the agriculture, horticulture and silk development departments along with cabinet minister Subodh Uniyal here on Monday.
Rawat said that latest technology should be used to make the cultivation of apples and other fruits more profitable. Stating that farm machinery banks are proving quite benefitial for farmers, he said that attempts should be made to maximise the number of villages under their purview. Stressing on the need for laying special focus on micro irrigation, he directed the department to prepare a work plan for this.
Rawat pointed out that damage caused by wild animals is posing a major problem to farmers.A detailed survey should be undertaken to ascertain the damage to crops caused by monkeys, boars and other wildlife. Fencing and construction of boundary walls should be undertaken on priority in places where the problem is worse. The CM also stressed on the need for further expanding organic farming. Growth centres should be used for marketing of organic products. Monitoring should be ensured of the villages selected for organic farming along the Ganga river under the Namami Gange mission. Further, data feeding should be done carefully to ensure that no complaints are received regarding Kisan Samman Nidhi, he said.
Rawat also directed that research be conducted on Yarsagumba, mushrooms and other produce. Students of institutions related to agriculture and horticulture should be sent to nearby villages for practical knowledge. The Bharsar and GB Pant universities should also work in their nearby villages.
Minister Subodh Uniyal said that 3K Organic Uttarakhand Outlets will be opened for marketing of organic produce. The 3K stand for Krishi and Krishak Kalyan and a target has been set to open 1,300 such outlets in the next two years. Farmers in the state are being encouraged to undertake more profitable farming. Many farmers in Haridwar have started growing lemongrass instead of sugar cane and are getting good rates for their produce. Work is also being undertaken on the concept of integrated farming, he said.
Officials informed that under the Kisan Samman Nidhi Rs 852.04 crore had been paid to 8.57 lakh out of 8.74 lakh farmers. Since 2017-18, 230 custom hiring centres and 1,444 farm machinery banks have been set up in the state.
Tuesday, 03 November 2020 | PNS | Dehradun
