Minister asks officials to complete 50% of targeted polyhouse construction by October 31; proposal to bring rajma under crop insurance scheme to be sent to Centre
Babita Singh
DEHRADUN, SEPTEMBER 23: Uttarakhand agriculture and farmers’ welfare minister Ganesh Joshi held a high-level review meeting with officials of the agriculture and horticulture departments in Dehradun on Wednesday, directing them to accelerate the implementation of farmer welfare schemes and ensure financial discipline in the execution of projects.
A major focus of the meeting was the state’s polyhouse programme. Joshi said Uttarakhand has set a target of constructing 14,777 polyhouses to promote protected cultivation and improve farm productivity. Of the currently approved plan for 2,700 polyhouses, construction work on around 1,000 units has already begun.
The minister directed officials to ensure that at least 50% of the work is completed by October 31. He stressed the need for close monitoring of the construction programme and timely implementation of the scheme so that farmers can benefit from protected cultivation facilities without unnecessary delays.
Joshi also directed officials to expedite the recovery and refund of pending funds from agencies and private companies that had previously been involved in departmental work.
Rajma to be proposed for inclusion under crop insurance
In a significant policy-related direction, the minister asked officials to prepare and immediately send a proposal to the Union government for bringing rajma under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana.
The move is aimed at extending crop insurance protection to farmers growing rajma, particularly in areas where the crop is vulnerable to weather-related and other agricultural risks. The department has been asked to take up the matter with the Centre through a formal policy proposal.
10,000 hectares brought under organic farming
Reviewing the progress of organic farming in the state, Joshi said organic cultivation has so far been expanded to around 10,000 hectares. He directed officials to undertake an accurate assessment of the actual production from these areas rather than limiting the evaluation to the acreage covered.
The minister also asked officials to prepare a structured development plan for makhana cultivation, considering its potential in Uttarakhand. He directed the department to explore the crop’s prospects through the Makhana Board and develop a systematic framework for its promotion.
In another direction concerning wheat production, officials were asked to promote wheat cultivation across 475 hectares in Champawat and get the quality of the produce tested at specialised laboratories in Delhi or Chandigarh.
Up to 80% subsidy for dragon fruit cultivation
The meeting also reviewed initiatives aimed at expanding horticulture in the state. Joshi said the government is providing substantial financial support for high-value crops under its new policies.
According to the department, dragon fruit cultivation is eligible for up to 80% subsidy, with the crop currently covering around 44 acres. Under the kiwi policy, farmers are being provided 70% subsidy to encourage expansion of kiwi cultivation.
The minister also reviewed the expansion of the kiwi cultivation area. The department has been directed to continue efforts to bring additional land under the crop and promote horticulture-based income opportunities for farmers.
Apple Mission budget increased
The minister said the budgetary allocation under the Apple Mission has also been increased. The payment component has been raised from Rs 3 crore to Rs 4 crore, while the total budget earmarked for the mission has been fixed at Rs 12 crore.
The government is also focusing on post-harvest management and storage infrastructure to reduce losses and improve the value realisation of farm produce.
Cold storage infrastructure to get further push
Under the state’s cold storage policy, financial assistance is being provided for different categories of storage facilities. The government is providing 50% subsidy for cold storage construction in Bhimtal, while self-help groups and farmer groups are eligible for up to 70% subsidy. Terminal cold storage projects are eligible for 50% subsidy.
Joshi said construction of new modern cold storage facilities would soon begin with financial support from NABARD, strengthening the state’s post-harvest infrastructure and providing farmers with better options for storing their produce.
Focus on Rabi season and disaster compensation
With the Rabi season approaching, the minister directed the department to intensify awareness campaigns among farmers. He said two Rabi campaign vehicles would travel across the Garhwal and Kumaon divisions to disseminate information about seasonal crops, government schemes and available support.
Joshi also announced that the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan would begin in the state from October 7. A Tea Festival is also scheduled to be organised in October.
Officials were additionally brief about preparations for the Union agriculture minister’s programme scheduled at Modipura, Meerut, on October 1.
The minister directed officials to conduct an immediate and accurate assessment of crop damage caused by unseasonal rainfall and natural disasters and ensure that eligible farmers receive compensation without delay. He stressed that relief should reach affected farmers promptly after the assessment process.
The meeting was attended by Agriculture Department Secretary Dr S N Pandey, Director General Dr Anand Srivastava, Director Horticulture Dr R K Singh and other senior departmental officials.
The review meeting covered both ongoing farmer welfare schemes and longer-term measures related to protected cultivation, organic farming, horticulture, crop insurance, post-harvest storage and disaster compensation, with the minister emphasising time-bound implementation and closer monitoring of departmental programmes.