Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has launched the e-Rupi system and four new agricultural policies aimed at transforming the state's agricultural landscape and boosting the income of farmers. The launch event took place at the Secretariat.

e-Rupi System

The e-Rupi system is a modern technology-based initiative designed to provide transparent, fast, and intermediary-free digital payments to farmers. Dhami emphasized that this system is a new beginning for the state's food producers. Under this system, subsidy amounts for pilot projects will be directly sent to farmers' mobile phones via e-vouchers in the form of SMS messages or QR codes. Farmers can then use these vouchers at authorized centers or vendors to purchase fertilizers, seeds, medicines, and other essential agricultural inputs. To ensure the successful implementation of the e-Rupi system, CM Dhami has directed officials to conduct training programs in villages to educate farmers about the technology and its benefits. The e-Rupi facility is expected to provide farmers with quick, secure, and transparent payment options, marking a digital transformation in the agriculture sector.

New Agricultural Policies

In addition to the e-Rupi system, Chief Minister Dhami also launched four new agricultural policies:

• Kiwi Policy: This policy aims to develop kiwi orchards, with the state government providing subsidies. The Uttarakhand Kiwi Policy (2025–31) aims to develop kiwi orchards with 70 percent state subsidies for an estimated total cost. The policy excludes Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar districts, targets to cover 3,500 hectares, benefiting 17,500 farmers with a projected increase in kiwi production from 382 metric tons at present to 33,000 metric tons.
• Dragon Fruit Policy: This policy supports the cultivation of dragon fruit in the state. The Dragon Fruit Farming Scheme will be implemented during the period up to the year 2028.
• Apple Post-Harvest Harvesting Scheme: This scheme focuses on improving post-harvest management of apples. To promote the post-harvest handling of apples, the government has launched a Post-Harvest Management Scheme (2024–32) with an outlay. The scheme includes establishing of 22 Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage units with a maximum 50 percent subsidy or Rs 4 crore for private firms and 70 percent subsidy or Rs 5.70 crores for Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs).
• Millet Mission: This mission aims to promote the cultivation of millets in the state. Under the Millet policy, the government would promote modern and scientific cultivation methods for millets such as Mandua (Finger Millet), Kauni (Foxtail Millet), Jhangora (Barnyard Millet), Ramdana (Amaranthus), and Chena Millet (Proso Millet). The Millet Policy would be implemented in two phases. Under the first phase, which will be applicable between 2025 and 2028, millet cultivation will be taken up on a grand scale covering 30,000 hectares across 24 Development Blocks in the state. On the other hand, under the second phase intended to be implemented between 2028 and 2031, the millet cultivation will be expanded to 40,000 hectares of land across 44 Development Blocks.

The Chief Minister stated that these schemes will promote agricultural diversity and increase farmers' income. Agriculture Minister Ganesh Joshi mentioned that the state government has set a target to bring 5,000 hectares of land under ultra-dense apple orchards by 2030-31 to promote apple production. A plan of ₹144.55 crore has been launched for apple storage and grading, which will provide subsidies of 50-70% to C. A. storage and sorting-grading units. Under the Millet Policy, a budget of ₹134.893 crore has been allocated to cover 70,000 hectares by 2030-31. Farmers will also receive incentives for seed sowing and crop procurement.

These policies are expected to strengthen the agricultural economy, promote self-employment, and reduce migration from hilly regions. The government will soon prepare a Flower and Honey Policy in the state.

Additional Initiatives and Goals

The Uttarakhand government is focused on promoting the cultivation of millets and has introduced a special millet policy. The government has also prioritized the promotion of traditional Barhanaja (Twelve cereals) millets, particularly in the hills, as well as the cultivation of high-value fruits like kiwi and dragon fruit under Horticulture. The state government is committed to reviving traditional Barhanaja millet crops through the newly introduced Uttarakhand Millets Policy 2025–26, which will be implemented in the 11 hill districts of the state. The goal is to link all Gram Sabhas to PACS within five years.