In order to promote walnut produce in the State, the State Government will start Walnut Panchayat Scheme all over the State. This cluster- based scheme will be implemented in a personal and community manner at the Panchayat level. To enhance this, two mother nurseries will be developed in Garhwal and Kumaon.
In order to successfully implement Walnut Panchayat Scheme effectively, orders will be given to officials concerned. This scheme envisaged by the CM will be implemented under National Horticulture Mission. A sub- mission will be started for this. Farmers will be given advanced scientific training so that the production of walnut can be promoted.
A walnut development council will also be constituted. The CM said that the programme of Walnut produce must start as a mission. These cash crops will improve the economy of the farmers. Walnut Panchayat Scheme will be implemented all over the State. The farmers will be provided with high quality seeds from Jammu & Kashmir and abroad. Along with this, the locals will be provided with high level training for grafting of plants.
The CM said that it is the effort of the State Government to get the State first in apricot production. To achieve this, we will have to encourage use of modern techniques in a scientific manner. The CM assured all possible help in this direction. Several special techniques will be adopted to increase the produce of walnuts.
High quality and yielding seeds will be developed at the mother nursery. Uttarakhand ranks second in the produce of walnuts after Jammu and Kashmir. “We can stand first if we all work towards it in a joint manner,” the CM said. Farming of walnuts will be encouraged in all villages and this will boost to the rural economy. A good receptive market will be ensured so that the produce of the farmers get their due. Walnut Panchayats will be linked to Mandis, the CM said.
Secretary Horticulture Dr Nidhi Pandey said that to increase the produce of walnuts, the area will be developed on the basis of cluster concept. For this, potential areas will be identified. So far, 32 clusters have been identified. ( Almora-8, Bageshwar- 1, Pitthoragarh- 1, Dehradun-2, Tehri- 1, Pauri- 3, Rudraprayag- 1 AND Uttarkashi -15) The already planted trees would be revived.
In order to develop the production of walnuts, a Walnut Development Board will be constituted. These will include specialists, owners of nurseries and progressive farmers. Hi tech nurseries will be established and they will be registered in National Board. A mother block will also be established. Thus, National Farming Development Schemes will also be constituted. According to the 2012-13 report, the production of walnuts in the State, confined only to 19265 hectares, was 21464 tonne.