'Need to harness Uttarakhand's potential'

Uttarakhand is a unique State blessed with tremendous potential in the field of agriculture and related fields; the only thing needed is to harness this potential.

World famous agriculture scientist and vice chancellor of GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (GBPUAT), Dr Mangala Rai expressed this view while interacting with The Pioneer on the sidelines of ‘Toppers Conclave’ in Raj Bhawan here on Monday.

When asked about the problem of small land holdings in Uttarakhand, Dr Rai said that with innovative ideas and high yielding varieties this handicap can be overcome.He said that right interventions are needed to improve the agriculture and agro based industries in the state. Expressing regrets over lack of proper initiatives in the field of horticulture in the hill state, the eminent scientist said that the climate of the state is suited for a wide variety of fruit plants.

“Where would you find mangoes ripening in the month of October, the climate of the state can be compared with a natural glasshouse where a wide variety of the off season fruit and vegetables can be produced easily,” he informed.He further said that there is huge demand of cheese prepared by goat milk and if the shepherds of state are provided necessary support then it could become a source of additional income for them.

Dr Rai opined that questions like what if water harvesting is done in state were never asked by planners of the state.State should ponder over ways of reducing huge nutrient loss every year due to soil erosion triggered by rains. Rai said that the state should emphasize on setting up primary food processing units which cost much less than the tertiary units, he added.

He suggested that small units selling fruit juices in large cans can be set up in the state.  The VC of GBPUAT said that the university is helping in providing better quality of poultry and animals to the farmers of the state.