Sachin Malik Rudrapur: The ‘Save the Fields Campaign’ was formally launched at Gandhi Maidan, Rudrapur, during a Programme organized by the Agriculture Department. The event was inaugurated by Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Agriculture and Cabinet Minister Ganesh Joshi and District In-Charge Minister as well as Transport & Information Technology Minister Pradeep Batra, Who Jointly lit the ceremonial lamp.
On the occasion, nine development Projects worth ₹46.32 crore were inaugurated, While the foundation Stones for 32 development Projects worth ₹323.34 crore were laid. Altogether, development works worth ₹369.66 crore were inaugurated and launched.
Addressing the gathering, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that saving agricultural land is essential for Protecting the Earth and ensuring the future of life. He urged farmers to conserve soil, use fertilizers judiciously, and Protect natural resources, emphasizing that land is not merely a means of Production but “Mother Earth,” Whose Preservation is everyone Responsibility.
He Stated that the foremost duty of the Agriculture Minister is to serve farmers and that farmers’ welfare remains his highest Priority. Highlighting India agricultural achievements under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said India has become the world largest Producer of rice and continues to set new Milestones in Agriculture.
Referring to Climate Change as one of the Greatest Global Challenges, Chouhan expressed confidence that India would successfully overcome it under Prime Minister Modi leadership. He also said Uttarakhand is rapidly emerging in agriculture and horticulture and has the Potential to establish itself as a major horticulture hub, with the Central Government extending full Support.
The Union Minister announced that a Clean Plant Centre would be established at Mukteshwar with an investment of ₹100 crore for the Production of high-Quality apple, walnut, almond, and other fruit saplings. Financial assistance of up to ₹4 crore will be Provided for setting up large nurseries and up to ₹2 crore for Small Nurseries.
He further announced that a Centre of Excellence would be established at Chaubatia (Almora) at a cost of ₹15 crore. Additionally, a ₹15 crore special Project is being Prepared in collaboration with New Zealand to Promote kiwi cultivation in Uttarakhand.
To Protect crops from wild animals, the Union Minister announced ₹65 crore for fencing works. He also approved ₹104 crore for the installation of Automatic Weather Stations across the state, enabling farmers to receive accurate weather information and helping improve the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana.
Chouhan encouraged farmers to make maximum use of the crop insurance Scheme and adopt balanced fertilizer application based on soil testing. He Stressed that natural and organic farming would help Preserve soil fertility for future Generations.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that healthy farmers, healthy Soil and a healthy agricultural system form the foundation of a developed India and a developed Uttarakhand. He described the ‘Save the Fields Campaign’ as not merely a Government Programme but a People movement aimed at securing the future of coming Generations.
He noted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi leadership, the Central Government has taken several historic decisions to Strengthen agriculture. Schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Natural Farming Mission, Agricultural Infrastructure initiatives and the Digital Agriculture Mission are Providing Significant benefits to Farmers.
The Chief Minister said farmers are the backbone of India food Security and economy. He emphasized that deteriorating soil health would adversely affect both agricultural Production and human health, urging farmers to conduct regular soil testing and adopt Scientific fertilizer management and organic farming Practices.
He informed that the Uttarakhand Government is Providing interest-free agricultural loans up to ₹3 lakh, free canal irrigation and up to 80% subsidy on agricultural equipment under the Farm Machinery Bank Scheme. A Rainfed Farming Project has also been approved to Strengthen agriculture in the hill Regions.
Dhami added that the Government is Promoting horticulture, fruit and vegetable Production through various Schemes While expanding modern infrastructure such as Polyhouses, Cold Storages, Cold Chains, CA Storage facilities and Mega Food Parks to ensure better Prices for farmers’ Produce.
Continuous efforts are also being made to connect local agricultural Products with national and international Markets.
He Stated that While Governments can Provide Schemes and resources, lasting transformation in agriculture is Possible only through the active Participation of farmers. He called upon farmers to Protect soil health, adopt natural farming and Preserve fertile land for future Generations.
Welcoming the dignitaries and farmers, Cabinet Minister Ganesh Joshi requested the Central Government to Provide ₹65 crore for fencing, ₹10 crore to Promote organic farming and to declare a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Mandua (finger millet) and Jhangora (barnyard Millet).
The Programme was attended by MP Ajay Bhatt, MLA Shiv Arora, Trilok Singh Cheema and Banshidhar Bhagat, Zila Panchayat Chairman Ajay Maurya, Mayor Vikas Sharma, Deepak Bali, Minister of State Anil Kapoor Dabbu, Hukam Singh Kunwar, Ranjit Singh Namdhari, Uttam Dutta, District President Kamal Jindal, Manoj Pal, Secretary Dr. S.N Pandey, District Magistrate Nitin Singh Bhadauria, Senior Superintendent of Police Ajay Ganpati, Chief Development Officer Divesh Shasni, Additional District Magistrate Kaustubh Mishra, Pankaj Upadhyay, along with several Public representatives, officials, farmers and members of the Public.
