Uttarakhand's Project Unnati Apple Revolutionizes Apple Cultivation in Champawat

The Project Unnati Apple, initiated by Coca-Cola India and Indo-Dutch Horticulture Technologies, is transforming apple farming in Champawat, Uttarakhand. Chief Minister Dhami lauds the project's success in implementing advanced agricultural techniques, leading to significant increases in apple production and farmers' income.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has acknowledged the vital role played by Coca-Cola India and Indo-Dutch Horticulture Technologies Private Limited (IDHT) in making Project Unnati Apple a success in Champawat.

Speaking virtually from Uttarakhand Sadan in New Delhi, Chief Minister Dhami described the initiative as a model of agricultural transformation driven by collective efforts.

He commended the hard work of Champawat's apple farmers, noting the revolutionary changes in apple cultivation brought about by the project. Dhami emphasized that the high-density plantation technology used in the region's 100 apple orchards has yielded significant results in just 20 months.

Dhami highlighted that advanced planting material, training in good agricultural practices (GAP), and modern infrastructure have provided a substantial boost to apple production and farmers' incomes. This not only strengthens the farmers' economy but also creates employment opportunities in the community.

The Chief Minister pointed out that agriculture and horticulture are vital for the state's livelihood and prosperity. Modern initiatives like Project Unnati Apple have proven to be both productive and profitable, contributing to the socio-economic upliftment of farmers.

Dhami also noted that the climate of Uttarakhand is conducive to the cultivation of various fruits, including kiwi, walnut, pear, plum, apricot, and passion fruit. He praised the quality and taste of Champawat apples, which are renowned across India.

The government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's guidance, is making concerted efforts to involve more farmers in the Apple Mission, providing an 80 percent subsidy for apple orchard plantation. The goal is to intensively cultivate apples over 5,000 hectares within eight years, increasing annual turnover from ₹200 crores to ₹2,000 crores.

Dhami urged the farmers to adopt modern apple farming techniques to elevate Uttarakhand as a leading apple-producing state, competing with Jammu-Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh.

The state government is also offering various financial and technical support schemes, including interest-free loans and subsidies for farming equipment, to encourage organic farming and mechanization.

(With inputs from agencies.)