Uttarakhand CM inaugurates large-scale Farmers' Conference at Pantnagar, as part of state's Silver Jubilee celebrations

Pantnagar (Uttarakhand) [India], November 7 : Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday inaugurated a large-scale Farmers' Conference at G B Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar, as part of the state's Silver Jubilee celebrations.
During the programme, progressive farmers from agriculture, horticulture, dairy, fisheries, and cooperatives, along with Lakhpati Didis, were felicitated by the Chief Minister with mementos, commendation certificates, and traditional shawls. Agriculture Minister Ganesh Joshi was also present on the occasion.
Extending his greetings to all farmers on the Silver Jubilee of Uttarakhand's statehood, the Chief Minister said that the "hard work and dedication of farmers are the true strength and wealth of the state."
He paid tribute to all those farmers who played an "important role" in realising the vision of Uttarakhand's formation and in making the state "self-reliant" over the past 25 years.
He emphasised that this "conference is not merely a discussion" on agriculture-related schemes, "but a gesture of gratitude to the farming community and their families".
The Chief Minister said that the "balanced development of the country and state is possible only when the farmers are empowered". "Without the empowerment of farmers, the dream of a strong nation remains incomplete," CM Dhami said.
He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a developed India can only be realised "when the farmers progress", as India has been an agrarian country since ancient times.
Speaking about his personal connection with farming, the Chief Minister said that agriculture has shaped our society, festivals, and traditions.
The Chief Minister highlighted that since 2014, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, unprecedented work has been done for farmers' upliftment. "The Prime Minister firmly believes that the confidence of a farmer is the greatest strength of the nation," CM Dhami said.
He said that the central government is committed to providing Indian farmers the same modern facilities that farmers in developed countries enjoy.
"Today, 11 crore farmers across the country are receiving financial assistance under the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, including about 9 lakh farmers in Uttarakhand," CM Dhami added.
He said that from increasing Minimum Support Prices to providing crop insurance under the PM Fasal Bima Yojana, the government has ensured that farmers receive security and fair prices.
"Through the Soil Health Card Scheme, farmers are being informed about soil nutrients and fertilizer needs to improve productivity and soil fertility," CM Dhami said.
He added that the state government is providing loans up to Rs 3 lakh to farmers without interest, and under the Farm Machinery Bank Scheme, farmers receive up to 80 percent subsidy for purchasing agricultural equipment.
"Irrigation through canals has also been made completely free of cost. Provision of Rs 200 crore has been made for polyhouse construction, under which about 350 polyhouses have already been established," CM Dhami said.
The Chief Minister further said that the state has approved the Uttarakhand Climate Responsive Rain-Fed Farming Project worth Rs 1,000 crore to strengthen rain-fed agriculture in hill districts.
"Additionally, new policies for apple, kiwi, dragon fruit, and millets have been implemented with up to 80 percent subsidy to promote horticulture," CM Dhami said.
He highlighted that food processing units, cold storage structures, mushroom units, beekeeping units, and mega food parks are being expanded to increase farmers' income.
He noted that mushroom production has increased from 500 MT at the time of state formation to over 27,000 MT today, placing Uttarakhand fifth in the country.
"Honey production is also rising, placing the state eighth nationwide. Tea cultivation has expanded from 196 hectares to 1,585 hectares, and tea tourism is being promoted in Kausani, Shyamkhet, Ghorakhal, and Silingtok, creating new employment opportunities," CM Dhami said.
The Chief Minister said that during the Silver Jubilee Year, the state is launching the campaign "Uttarakhand ka Kisan - Uttarakhand ka Gaurav" (The Farmer of Uttarakhand - The Pride of Uttarakhand). He urged everyone to work together to build Uttarakhand into a prosperous, self-reliant, and modern agricultural state.
Agriculture Minister Ganesh Joshi also addressed the gathering and congratulated everyone on the Silver Jubilee celebrations. He said that the last 25 years have seen remarkable progress in agriculture and horticulture. He stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is as committed to the welfare of farmers as he is to soldiers guarding the nation. He highlighted that more than 1.65 lakh women in the state have become Lakhpati Didis through livelihood groups and self-employment initiatives.
Presiding over the programme, local MLA Tilak Raj Behar said that under the guidance of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the state is progressing rapidly. He thanked the Chief Minister for approving an industrial park in Kichha and for the decision to repair the roads of Pantnagar.