Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reached Uttarakhand for a three-day visit and inaugurated the two-day Kisan Mela at Guru Gorakhnath Mahavidyalaya in Yamkeshwar on Thursday.
On this occasion, Yogi garlanded the statue of his guru, Mahant Avedyanath Ji Maharaj, and sought his blessings. He also paid tribute to General Bipin Rawat, the country’s first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), by offering flowers at his statue. During his visit, the chief minister inspected various stalls at the Kisan Mela, taking a close look at modern agricultural devices.
He emphasised that such events will play a crucial role in making Uttarakhand’s agriculture self-reliant and technologically advanced.
Paying homage to the sacred land of Uttarakhand, he highlighted that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the state is making rapid strides in development.
Acknowledging the achievements of Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath Mahavidyalaya, he commended the support of the Uttarakhand government in helping the institution set new benchmarks in education.
In his address, the chief minister made a special mention of Uttarakhand’s Biosystem Agriculture and Technology University, calling it the first institute of its kind in the country with a significant contribution to the agricultural sector.
He noted that the university, named after Govind Ballabh Pant, the first chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, was established in 1960 during a period of food scarcity in the country. He credited the university for playing a pivotal role in strengthening India’s food security through the Green Revolution.
Referring to Prime Minister Modi’s ‘Anna Yojana,’ he stated that the government is now providing free ration to more than 80 crore people.
He further emphasised, “There can be no greater guarantee in this world than food security.”
CM Yogi urged local farmers to preserve their traditional agricultural practices and not rely solely on material development. He pointed out that cultivable land in Uttarakhand is gradually becoming barren but can be restored through horticulture and vegetable production. He encouraged farmers to make optimal use of their land by adopting modern agricultural techniques with the support of agricultural universities and other institutions, enabling them to become self-reliant and contribute to Uttarakhand’s prosperity.
Highlighting Uttarakhand’s strategic geographical location and its role in national security, he emphasised that the state’s agriculture and economic growth are not just financially significant but also strategically important.
He urged local youth to stay in their homeland and engage in advanced farming and productive ventures, rather than migrating in search of employment. The chief minister stressed the importance of water conservation, wellness centres, and modern education in Uttarakhand’s progress.
Calling for a drug-free society, he emphasised the need for comprehensive campaigns to make ‘Devbhoomi’ Uttarakhand completely free from drug abuse.
Yogi also outlined several initiatives related to irrigation and connectivity, stating that better facilities for water conservation are being introduced and new educational institutions are being established. He announced that a science faculty will be introduced at Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath Mahavidyalaya starting in July, while stadium construction work is progressing at a rapid pace. He urged collective efforts to ensure successful implementation of state and Central government schemes at the grassroots level, emphasising the need for collaboration to drive development forward.
The chief minister emphasised promotion of goat rearing and poultry farming in Uttarakhand, highlighting their potential as profitable sources of income for farmers.
He mentioned that goats and high-quality seeds were distributed to some farmers during the Kisan Mela.
Stressing the health benefits of goat milk, he stated, “Goat milk helps in reducing lung diseases, and farmers can also achieve financial stability through goat rearing.”
Reiterating the significance of the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative, he emphasised that promoting local products is the key to building a self-reliant India. He described self-reliance as more than just an idea—“it is a concrete step toward realising the vision of a developed India.”