Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Praises Project Unnati Apple in Champawat

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has commended the efforts of Coca-Cola India and Indo-Dutch Horticulture Technologies Private Limited (IDHT) in making Project Unnati Apple a success in Champawat, Uttarakhand. Speaking virtually from New Delhi, Dhami highlighted the project's role in transforming apple cultivation in the state.

Dhami noted that the project has provided farmers with advanced planting materials, training in good agricultural practices, and modern infrastructure, leading to a significant increase in apple production and farmers' income. He praised the farmers' hard work and perseverance, which have contributed to the vision of Champawat as an ideal district.

The Chief Minister also mentioned that the state government is promoting fruit production, with a focus on apples, kiwi, walnut, pear, plum, apricot, and passion fruit. Under the Apple Mission, farmers receive an 80 percent subsidy for planting apple orchards, and the state aims to increase its annual apple turnover from 200 crores to 2000 crores in eight years.

Efforts are being made to provide farmers with necessary resources and technical assistance, including interest-free loans and subsidies for agricultural equipment. Dhami emphasized the importance of quality and packaging to establish Uttarakhand as a leading apple producer alongside Jammu-Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh.