Image Source: PIB

In a decisive step towards boosting Uttarakhand’s rural economy and agri-value chain, Union Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan met with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on July 7 in Delhi to chart out a multi-pronged development roadmap for the hill state. The meeting culminated in Central approval for a host of initiatives ranging from superfood clusters and fencing for crop protection to high-value horticulture and rural infrastructure expansion.

Among the most notable announcements was the Centre’s clearance for the establishment of Centres of Excellence focused on superfoods—specifically honey, mushrooms, and exotic vegetables. These Centres aim to strengthen the state’s position as a nutritional and high-margin agri-hub, with value-addition potential for small and marginal farmers. The move aligns with national priorities around clean-label foods and functional nutrition.

Chouhan also confirmed that the Centre will extend financial assistance under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) to help Uttarakhand erect fencing around vulnerable farmland, especially in hilly and border regions where crop damage by wild animals remains a chronic issue. Responding to the Chief Minister’s request, Chouhan termed crop protection in wildlife-prone zones a priority and assured expedited fund allocation.

The Union Minister further announced support under the National Food Security and Nutrition Mission (NFSM) for the promotion of traditional millet varieties, Mandua (finger millet) and Jhingora (barnyard millet), which are culturally significant and climate-resilient. Recognising their role in enhancing nutrition security and farmer incomes, the Centre aims to revive and expand their cultivation through input support, awareness, and marketing linkages.

High-value fruit cultivation also received a policy push, with Chouhan declaring full Central support for expanding high-density apple orchards. These will be backed by improved nursery infrastructure, cold storage networks, and grading units to enable value chain development from orchard to market. In addition, kiwi, which performs well in Uttarakhand’s agro-climatic conditions and is less vulnerable to wildlife damage, will be promoted with Central support.

The commercially viable dragon fruit also emerged as a focal point of discussion. Chouhan reiterated the fruit’s resilience and rising market demand, and confirmed that Uttarakhand will receive assistance under the national Dragon Fruit Mission to ramp up area under cultivation and integrate it into regional agri-marketing strategies.

On the rural development front, the Centre praised Uttarakhand’s proactive performance in implementing flagship schemes. The state has completed its survey under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), positioning it to move swiftly into the next phase of housing construction. The Centre also confirmed that Uttarakhand will be included in Phase IV of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), enabling further rural connectivity.

Chouhan also applauded the state’s strong showing in livelihood-focused programs like the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative and MGNREGA, noting that Uttarakhand has exceeded targets in women’s economic empowerment and rural employment generation.

Terming the meeting “highly productive,” Chouhan said the Ministries of Agriculture and Rural Development remain committed to working hand-in-hand with the state government to unlock Uttarakhand’s full agri-economic potential. The Centre’s backing of a diversified, resilient, and nutrition-focused farm strategy signals a shift toward leveraging the Himalayan state’s unique agro-ecological assets in service of national food and income security goals.