Agri-tech startups could help in halting large-scale migration of Uttarakhand youth
Cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants has the potential to be developed into agri-tech and aromatic enterprises
In what could go a long way in preventing mass migration of youth from Uttarakhand to other regions, the state administration has been directed to promote agri-tech startups.
Uttarakhand’s huge potential for nurturing agri-startups has been recognised by the Union government, and this was voiced by Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State Science and Technology at a meeting with the state Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. The Union Minister urged Dhami to promote agri-tech startups in the state.
It is being foreseen that promotion of agri-tech start-ups in the State would help halt the large-scale migration of youth. In this endeavour, Central help was also promised to Uttarakhand. Taking into account the geography and weather conditions in Himalayan states like Uttarakhand, it is seen that the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants could be done in a larger manner.
Agri-tech potential of Uttarakhand discussed
These, according to Singh, have the potential to be developed into agri-tech and aromatic enterprises. Referring to the huge success of CSIR supported Aroma Mission in Jammu and Kashmir, the Minister said, the same can be replicated in a big way in Uttarakhand.
Taking this forward, Chief Minister Dhami proposed the setting up of new scientific institutions in the state and also extending the services of the existing Indian Institute of Petroleum at Dehradun. Dr Singh offered support for providing free quality planting material and end-to-end technology package on cultivation, processing, value addition and marketing of the Lavender crop to the farmers. According to him, CSIR would provide comprehensive handholding from product development to marketing to the willing youth and farmers. The Minister said, as large numbers and area is under small and marginal holdings, appreciable economic outcomes can be achieved by pooling resources for Aroma mission.
Centre to consider project proposals
Chief Minister Dhami also discussed a wide range of state-related issues ranging from development to placement of All India Services officers with the Union Minister. He brought to the notice of Dr Jitendra Singh, who is also Minister In-charge of the Department of Personnel and Training, some of the issues related to deputation and placement of IAS officers in Uttarakhand. In response, Dr Jitendra Singh said, he will direct the department to give due consideration to all these issues and examine what best can be done.
The Chief Minister also requested the Union Minister to follow up with the Central Government about the progress of some of the other proposals for projects in Uttarakhand, to which the Union Minister promised that his office will take due cognizance.
