Rs. 2000 crore to be spent on strengthening Agriculture and Horticulture sectors: CM

SHIMLA,24.04.25-Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated that the state government was committed to boost the rural economy by strengthening the agriculture and horticulture sectors. He said that an amount of Rs. 2,000 crore would be spent during the present financial year for this purpose.

He was presiding over a meeting with the senior officials of departments of Agriculture, Horticulture and other allied sectors, here today. He said that the state government was working to develop most favourable infrastructure for the processing and marketing of agricultural and horticultural produce. He said that in alignment with this vision, innovative measures were also being undertaken with a positive outlook to enhance the dairy sector.

Shri Sukhu emphasized the significant contribution of livestock in strengthening the rural economy. He said that the state government launched the 'Him Ganga Yojana' on a pilot basis in the districts of Hamirpur and Kangra. Apart from this, Milkfed had established 120 automated and 32 digital milk collection units in the districts of Mandi, Kullu and Shimla.

The Chief Minister further said that with a view to promote natural farming, the government had fixed the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of turmeric, wheat and maize produced under natural farming at Rs. 90, Rs. 60, and Rs. 40 per kilogram respectively for this financial year. The government also aims to bring one lakh new farmers under natural farming this year, and all such farmers would be linked with the ‘Him Parivar Register’.

Agriculture Minister Chander Kumar, Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi, MLA Ashish Butail, Chairman, Milkfed Bhdhi Singh Thakur, Secretary, Animal Husbandry Ritesh Chauhan, Managing Director, Milkfed Vikas Sood and other senior officers were present in the meeting.

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CM discusses border development and collaboration with ITBP

SHIMLA, 24.04.25-Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today held a meeting with Sanjay Gunjyal, Frontier Commander of the Northern Frontier Headquarters of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Dehradun.

During the meeting a detailed discussions were held regarding the role of ITBP in the border districts of Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti and issues concerning security along the India-China border. Apart from this, various topics were deliberated upon, including a roadmap for promoting border tourism in the frontier regions of the state, procurement of local produce for ITBP supplies, and provision of medical services to local communities through ITBP healthcare facilities.

The Chief Minister said that to strengthen disaster management the state government would establish improved coordination with ITBP’s regional response centre. He said that helipads located in ITBP-controlled zones could be utilized to promote tourism in remote areas. All formalities in this regard would be completed in consultation with the force, which would also help enhance connectivity.

Shri. Sukhu said that the state government was taking several steps to strengthen the rural economy. If ITBP procures food products directly from local residents, it would create employment opportunities and benefit farmers and horticulturists.

He urged ITBP officials to prioritize the involvement of local residents in construction projects after completing all requisite formalities.

The Chief Minister also directed the state officials to expedite all procedures for establishing communication towers in border areas.

He lauded the developmental efforts and other initiatives undertaken by the ITBP in frontier regions.

Commander Sanjay Gunjyal briefed the Chief Minister about steps taken under the Vibrant Village Programme for the construction of three proposed roads in the Sangla Valley and Kaurik area. He also shared details of 15 additional roads proposed in remote and forward border regions of the state.

Deputy Chief Minister virtually attended the meeting and shared his views and suggestions.

Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Chairman, Milkfed Budhi Singh Thakur, OSD to the Chief Minister Gopal Sharma, Secretary Animal Husbandry Ritesh Chauhan, DIG ITBP Pawan KR Negi and Barinderjit Singh, Commandant Vasant Nogal and Sunil Kumar Senani and other senior officers were present in the meeting.

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\A delegation of Nachan constituency Mandi called on Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu