Dehradun: A review meeting on schemes related to the production of apples, kiwis, dragon fruit and other fruits was held at the Secretariat on Tuesday under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan. During the meeting, held through video conferencing, district magistrates were asked about the current status of fruit production and the situation of farmers in their respective districts.
The Chief Secretary directed district magistrates to regularly obtain feedback from farmers and incorporate their problems and suggestions into the schemes. He said that if changes or improvements were required in any scheme, district magistrates should inform the government in writing. Production-area and productivity targets should be set for the stipulated duration of the mission so that the schemes can be implemented in a more focused manner.
He emphasised the need to develop a strong mechanism to promote fruit production across the state. Special attention should be given to the development of cold-storage chains, transportation, ropeways, marketing facilities and processing units. He directed district magistrates to incorporate projects related to these areas into the relevant schemes.
The Chief Secretary stressed the need to promote cluster-based cultivation of apples, kiwis and dragon fruit. For high-density cultivation of apples and kiwis, he directed officials to ensure the availability of new and high-quality varieties and to take farmers’ suggestions seriously. Focusing on district-specific plans, he called for bringing new areas under fruit cultivation and developing modern, high-density nurseries.
He said that three vendors have been empanelled in each district for the establishment of polyhouses. Farmers should be provided with the necessary guidance and assistance to ensure they derive maximum benefit from the schemes. He also emphasised replacing old, low-productivity areas with new high-density crops.
The Chief Secretary said that in newly developed horticultural areas, intercrops could be cultivated until fruit production begins, ensuring that farmers do not suffer financial losses during the initial period.
Principal Secretary R.K. Sudhanshu, R. Meenakshi Sundaram, Secretaries Shailesh Bagoli, S.N. Pandey and Rajendra Kumar, Garhwal Commissioner Anand Swarup, Kumaon Commissioner Deepak Rawat, along with district magistrates from various districts and officials of the concerned departments, were present at the meeting.
