Nainital: Farmers in Uttarakhand are reaping it rich by cultivating vegetables, fruits and flowers by using hi-tech methods like greenhouse farming. The Government’s Horticulture Technology Mission has initiated several benefiting schemes for the farmers in Padampuri region near Nainital. The schemes include providing good quality seeds, fertilisers and insecticides at subsidised rates to the farmers. Technical and financial aids are also given to set up poly greenhouses to cultivate various fruits and flowers. "We are enjoying lot of benefits. I have also applied for a motor and the scheme will help me get it. Overall, the scheme is very beneficial. Those who really want to reap the benefit can take advantage of it," said Tarachand Saini, a farmer. The scheme particularly benefit farmers in mountainous region, where crops are subject to vagaries of nature like incessant rains during monsoon season. “The scheme is very successful. Small farmers are joining it. All that they need is motivation,” opined Praveen Sharma, a Padampuri based floriculturist. Out of forty percent subsidies extended to the farmers, the Union Government bears twenty percent of the overall cost.
- Mar 30, 2009