Climate Alert: Will climate change end farming? Why did CM Dhami warn farmers to save soil? Why so much emphasis on coarse grains? Is chemical farming becoming a big threat? Know the government’s big plan and important announcements made for farmers in ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’.
Almora. State level “Save Farm Campaign” program was organized grandly in Hawalbagh of Almora. The main objective of the program was to secure the future of farming, soil and farmers amidst the increasing threat of climate change. During this, farmers were made aware of the changing weather and its effects on agriculture. The program particularly emphasized on maintaining soil fertility, limited use of chemical substances and conservation of traditional crops. Farmers were appealed to increase the production of Mandua, Jhangora, Amaranth and other coarse grains.
Pushkar Singh Dhami said – Save Farm Campaign became a mass movement
While addressing the program, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that he gets new energy by reaching among the farmers on the land of Almora. He said that “Khet Bachao Abhiyan” is no longer just a government scheme, but has become a massive mass movement involving public participation. The Chief Minister called upon the farmers to take a pledge to conserve their agricultural land, soil and natural resources. He said that farmers are not just food providers but are the real power of the country.
Said the soil is like a mother, expressed concern over chemical farming
CM Dhami said that in Indian culture, soil is not just land but is revered like a mother. Therefore, it is very important to maintain its fertility. He appealed to the farmers to keep their fields as free from chemical substances as possible. He said that it is the responsibility of all of us to leave a safe and healthy agricultural system for the coming generations. To increase the income of farmers, the government has made a provision of Rs 200 crore in the budget.
Advice to farmers to adopt scientific farming
The Chief Minister urged farmers to conduct regular soil tests, use water judiciously and do farming as per the advice of agricultural experts. He said that keeping in view the changing climatic conditions, crops should also be selected accordingly. He said that environmental protection and economic development complement each other and it is necessary to maintain a balance between ecology and economy.
Mentioned about PM Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Mann Ki Baat” program, the Chief Minister said that there is a need to take inspiration from people doing excellent work in the field of water, forest, land and nature conservation. He said that the government is continuously working for the prosperity of farmers and many schemes are being implemented to modernize the agriculture sector.
Promotion of horticulture, polyhouse and aromatic crops.
CM Dhami said that the state government is running many schemes to promote the production of polyhouse, fruit production, cold storage, mega food park and aromatic crops. At present, production of aromatic crops is being encouraged in about 23 thousand hectare area in the state. He said that special priority is also being given to coarse grains and farmers are being provided direct benefits through DBT, thereby eliminating the role of middlemen.
Uttarakhand became an example in increasing the income of farmers
The Chief Minister claimed that Uttarakhand has joined the leading states of the country in terms of increasing the income of farmers. He said that the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi does not just make promises, but also works on the ground. He appealed to farmers to adopt sustainable farming practices and get their soils tested regularly.
Announcement of Rs 6 crore for Tarbar scheme in Almora
During the program, the Chief Minister also announced that work will be done under the Tarbar Scheme in Almora district at a cost of about Rs 6 crore.
Agriculture Minister Ganesh Joshi laid emphasis on natural farming
Agriculture Minister Ganesh Joshi appealed to the farmers to adopt natural and organic farming. He said that the state government is continuously working in the fields of education, health and employment and till now more than 30 thousand youth have been given government jobs. He said that effective policies have been made to promote crops like dragon fruit, kiwi and millet. Despite the reduction in the area under cultivation, a significant increase in agricultural production has been recorded.
Farmers and women’s groups took pledge
A large number of farmers, women groups, public representatives and officials participated in the program. Everyone resolved to promote agricultural conservation, soil enrichment and climate-friendly farming. During this period, farmers doing excellent work were also honoured. MLA Dr. Pramod Nainwal, MLA Mohan Singh Mehra, MLA Mahesh Jeena, District Panchayat President Hema Gaida, Mayor Ajay Verma, Agriculture Secretary Surendra Narayan Pandey, District Magistrate Anshul Singh and other officials were present in the program.