Himalaya Harbinger, Rudrapur Bureau.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday inaugurated the 116th All India Farmers Fair and Agri-Industry Exhibition at Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology in Pantnagar of district Udham Singh Nagar. The four-day-long event, which showcases the latest agricultural technologies and innovations, aims to uplift farmers by providing them with access to modern tools and resources.
CM Dhami inaugurated the event by cutting the ribbon and lighting the ceremonial lamp. He inspected various stalls set up by agricultural firms, displaying advanced seeds, saplings, organic fertilizers, and farming equipment. “This fair serves as a ‘Kumbh’ of agriculture, playing a crucial role in making our farmers prosperous through exposure to modern technologies,” Dhami said while addressing the gathering.
During the event, progressive farmers from various districts were honored with mementoes and certificates. The awardees included Bhim Singh Maher from Champawat, Omveer Singh from Haridwar, Keshar Dutt from Pithoragarh, Lakshmi Devi from Chamoli, Pratap Singh from Nainital, Inder Singh Negi from Dehradun, Shankar Singh Bisht from Almora, Anil Deep Singh from Udham Singh Nagar, and Sunita Devi from Rudraprayag. CM also virtually inaugurated the Harela Orchard.
In his address, CM Dhami emphasized the importance of adopting new technologies in agriculture for the growth and well-being of farmers. “I appeal to all farmers to observe the technologies displayed by the university and various firms at this fair. Engage with the scientists present here and learn about the latest advancements in seeds, equipment, and technology. I am confident that the knowledge gained from this fair will prove beneficial not only to the farmers of Uttarakhand but to the farmers across the country in the future,” Dhami said. CM praised the efforts of Pantnagar University in organizing the event, which he believes will significantly contribute to the upliftment of the farming community.
Dhami also praised the efforts of the central government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in supporting farmers. He said, “Under PM Modi’s leadership, we are promoting technology and innovation to boost yield, while also ensuring farmers’ income is increased through higher MSPs and schemes like Kisan Samman Nidhi. Over 8 lakh farmers in Uttarakhand are receiving financial support through this scheme.”
Dhami further announced several initiatives by the state government to assist farmers, including interest-free loans of up to Rs 3 lakh, an 80% subsidy on agricultural equipment through the ‘Farm Machinery Bank’ scheme, and a Rs 20 per quintal bonus on wheat procurement. He also mentioned plans to convert tea gardens in Dhauladevi, Munsiyari, and Betalghat into organic tea gardens, and the launch of Apple and Kiwi missions with 80% subsidies for farmers planting orchards.
Vice-Chancellor (VC) of Pantnagar University, Manmohan Singh Chauhan provided updates on the university’s achievements. He said that Pantnagar University has approved 28 varieties of pulses nationwide, out of which 10 varieties were developed at the university. “The university is on the path to becoming a global institution. In the last two years, we have signed seven international MoUs and conducted 300 farmer training programs. We are also working on drones and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to revolutionize agriculture,” he added. VC Chauhan announced that the university is preparing a clone of the indigenous Badri cow, which will be launched soon.
On this occasion, Kichha MLA Tilak Raj Behar and Rudrapur MLA Shiv Arora, along with other public representatives, officials, and farmers, were present. The event will continue till October 7.
