NEW DELHI, 7 June 2025: In a major push to transform Uttarakhand’s agricultural landscape, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday announced that the state will be developed as a national hub for horticulture, emphasizing the Centre’s commitment to enhancing farmer incomes and building a “Viksit Bharat.”
The announcement came during a Kisan Chaupal held at Pawwala Sauda village in Dehradun’s Doiwala block, where the Minister directly interacted with local farmers while seated on a traditional charpai in the heart of the fields. This grassroots engagement, he said, was crucial to understanding the ground realities of Indian agriculture.
Accompanied by Uttarakhand Agriculture Minister Shri Ganesh Joshi and senior officials, Chouhan listened to concerns raised by farmers on issues such as seed availability, irrigation, market access, crop insurance, and fair pricing. Growers of litchi, basmati rice, jackfruit, and vegetables shared firsthand experiences and suggestions, which the Minister promised to address through coordinated state and central efforts.
"As someone from a farming background, I know the struggles of our farmers. That's why I chose to meet them in their fields, not from a stage," Chouhan said. He called for speedy redressal of farmer grievances and highlighted the region’s potential to emerge as a leader in horticulture due to its favorable climate and high-quality produce.
Marking World Environment Day, the Minister also took part in the “Ek Ped Maa ke Naam” campaign by planting a sapling, symbolizing the government’s commitment to sustainable agricultural practices.
He lauded the Uttarakhand Government’s initiatives under Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and emphasized the need to promote natural farming, technological innovation, and water conservation to ensure long-term agricultural sustainability. The Centre, he affirmed, would work closely with the state to equip farmers with modern tools and expand both national and international market access for their produce.
"Uttarakhand’s fruits and grains are not only of exceptional quality, but they also hold the potential for global recognition. With the right support and infrastructure, we can make Uttarakhand a horticultural powerhouse," the Minister concluded.
