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Uttarakhand, ITBP Sign Deal to Buy Local Produce for Border Troops

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami presided over the signing of an MoU between the state's Horticulture Board and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) to facilitate the procurement of locally grown produce for ITBP units. The initiative, under the Vibrant Village Programme, aims to provide fresh, nutritious food to security personnel while ensuring farmers receive fair prices and a stable market. The supply will focus on remote border districts like Chamoli, Uttarkashi, Pithoragarh, and Champawat. Previous agreements under the same program have already led to procurement worth Rs 14.77 crore, with potential for significantly greater income for local farmers.

Key Points: Uttarakhand-ITBP MoU for Local Farm Produce Procurement

  • MoU signed under Vibrant Village Programme
  • ITBP to procure local fruits & vegetables
  • Aims to ensure fair prices for farmers
  • To supply ITBP units in remote border districts
  • Previous procurement worth Rs 14.77 crore
2 min read

Uttarakhand CM, ITBP sign MoU to procure local produce under 'Vibrant Village Programme'

CM Pushkar Singh Dhami oversees MoU for ITBP to buy local fruits & vegetables from Uttarakhand farmers, boosting border area economies.

"a significant step towards the holistic development of farmers, local producers and border regions - Chief Minister's Office"

Dehradun, April 1

In the presence of Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed on Wednesday at the Chief Minister's residence under the 'Vibrant Village Programme', aimed at strengthening local economies in border areas.

The agreement was signed between the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the Uttarakhand Horticulture Board to facilitate the procurement of locally grown fruits and vegetables for ITBP units stationed across the state, according to a press release from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO).

The Chief Minister described the MoU as a significant step towards the holistic development of farmers, local producers and border regions in Uttarakhand.

He stated that through this agreement, ITBP personnel deployed in the state will be provided with fresh fruits and vegetables sourced locally. This will not only ensure access to nutritious and high-quality food for the jawans but will also help farmers receive fair prices for their produce.

As per the release, the Chief Minister emphasised that this initiative will strengthen the state government's commitment to promoting local products and will provide farmers with a stable and sustainable market for their produce. Under this arrangement, the supply of local products will be ensured in remote and border districts such as Chamoli, Uttarkashi, Pithoragarh, and Champawat, as well as in Dehradun.

He added that the agreement will help improve the economic condition of farmers in border areas and ease the challenges they face in accessing markets. The state government remains fully committed to safeguarding farmers' interests and ensuring the welfare of security personnel. This agreement is expected to be mutually beneficial.

Earlier as well, under the Vibrant Village Programme, agreements were made between the Uttarakhand Government and ITBP for the procurement of local products, which have yielded encouraging results, the press release stated.

So far, ITBP has procured local produce worth Rs 14.77 crore, and efforts are ongoing to further scale up procurement. Officials noted that if ITBP sources even 25 per cent of its annual requirement of fruits and vegetables from Uttarakhand, it could generate an estimated income of around Rs 6 crore for local farmers.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Finally, a practical step for border area development. The economic boost for farmers in Chamoli, Uttarkashi is much needed. Hope the supply chain is managed efficiently so the produce reaches on time.
A
Aman W
Good move, but the proof will be in the implementation. Past schemes often get stuck in bureaucracy. Hope the farmers actually see the ₹6 crore income and not just on paper. Fingers crossed!
S
Sarah B
As someone who has visited these regions, connecting local farmers to a stable buyer like the ITBP is crucial. It reduces waste and builds the local economy. The Vibrant Village Programme seems promising.
V
Vikram M
Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan! This is the spirit. Our soldiers protecting the borders deserve the best, and our farmers deserve a fair market. Hope this model is replicated in other Himalayan states like Himachal and Sikkim.
K
Kriti O
₹14.77 crore already procured is a solid start. It shows the demand is there. The key is to ensure transparency in pricing so middlemen don't eat into the farmers' profits. Direct benefit is essential.

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