Dehradun: A significant meeting was held at the Secretariat on Tuesday under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan with members of NITI Aayog and senior government officials. The meeting focused on Uttarakhand’s development potential, employment generation, innovation and key challenges facing the state.
The Chief Secretary said Uttarakhand has immense potential in horticulture, floriculture, fisheries and honey production. Efforts are being made to increase farmers’ incomes through modern technology, improved market systems and value addition to products. He also emphasised promoting high-density apple cultivation and products such as kiwi and dragon fruit.
The meeting also focused on expanding the reach of ABHA health IDs, upgrading the skills of the local workforce and connecting youth and workers with employment opportunities through digital platforms. Members of NITI Aayog suggested developing effective mechanisms for better utilisation of the human resources available in the state and for skill development.
Discussions were also held on increasing industry participation in the aroma sector, linking production with market demand, and strengthening mechanisms to ensure product quality and branding.
The meeting also deliberated on challenges such as human-wildlife conflict, crop damage caused by monkeys and wild boars, and forest fires. Emphasis was laid on developing effective scientific, technological and locally appropriate solutions to address these challenges.
The Chief Secretary said the suggestions received during the meeting would be studied and incorporated into the state’s policies and future action plans to ensure the sustainable and inclusive development of Uttarakhand.
