Himachal Pradesh to Invest Rs 1,010 Crores in Crop Diversification Promotion Scheme

The state of Himachal Pradesh is set to invest Rs 1,010 crores in the second phase of the Crop Diversification Promotion Scheme (CDPS) as part of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) project, announced Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Minister Chander Kumar.

The minister made this announcement while inaugurating the construction of the first tubewell, which is to be built at a cost of Rs 1.20 crore under the project. The groundbreaking ceremony took place at the Kharota gram panchayat in the Jawali Assembly constituency of Kangra district on Saturday.

The JICA project, funded at Rs 1,010 crore, is being implemented across 12 districts in the state. It involves the development of 296 irrigation sub-projects and 10 convergence irrigation projects, which include flow, lift, and tubewell installations. These initiatives are expected to benefit around 25,000 farmers by providing irrigation facilities across 7,933 hectares of cultivable land.

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Of the 296 irrigation sub-projects, Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for 200 have already been prepared, and the formation of Kisan Vikas Sanghs (KVSs) is well underway to ensure the efficient operation of these irrigation projects in all villages. The formation of KVSs is progressing with great urgency to expedite the implementation of these crucial projects.

Minister Chander Kumar highlighted that in Kangra district, 80 projects have been approved for irrigation, with 14 of them located in the Jawali Assembly constituency. He encouraged farmers and women to actively participate in the JICA project through KVSs, emphasizing that their involvement would lead to self-reliance by connecting them with various activities carried out under the project.

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In addition to the inauguration of the tubewell project, Minister Chander Kumar presided over the closing ceremony of a three-day state-level Kurash championship held at Vidyavati International School in Malkwal, Nurpur. The event saw the participation of 250 players in sub-junior, cadet, and junior categories from eight districts across the state. The minister honored the winners with medals, trophies, and citation certificates, promoting and recognizing the achievements of the budding athletes.

The Crop Diversification Promotion Scheme is set to play a pivotal role in enhancing agricultural practices, irrigation, and overall development in Himachal Pradesh, providing much-needed support to the farming community and promoting sustainable agriculture.

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