JICA and Uttarakhand Sign Pact to Boost Horticulture with Integrated Development Project
The agricultural landscape of Uttarakhand, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has partnered with the state’s Department of Horticulture and Food Processing (DHFP) to launch the Uttarakhand Integrated Horticulture Development Promotion Project. This collaboration, formalised with the signing of a four-year Technical Cooperation Project (TCP) agreement, promises to bring a transformative change to the horticulture sector, with a special focus on the districts of Tehri Garhwal and Nainital.
The project aims to address several challenges faced by the state’s horticultural sector, such as outdated farming practices, inadequate infrastructure, and climate change impacts. At its core, the initiative seeks to foster a more stable and market-driven production model by improving both the distribution systems and overall horticulture infrastructure. By doing so, it aims to create a sustainable and scalable horticulture framework that can benefit farmers across Uttarakhand.
Uttarakhand’s agricultural sector plays a vital role in the state’s economy, with nearly 39% of the population engaged in farming. However, a significant portion of the state’s farmers face hurdles due to the small scale of their operations, with 90% of them owning less than two hectares of land. This makes it difficult for farmers to fully capitalise on the region’s horticulture potential. Through the new project, JICA hopes to bridge this gap and provide smallholder farmers with the tools and knowledge to thrive in a market-oriented environment. JICA’s ongoing initiatives, such as the strengthening of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and supply chain improvements, will complement the new project. By expanding the Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment and Promotion (SHEP) approach, a model developed by JICA, the project will further help align farming with market demand, encouraging a more efficient and profitable horticulture model.
The project aims to improve local infrastructure and provide farmers with access to better market systems, ensuring that the produce from Tehri Garhwal and Nainital districts can reach wider markets. This initiative is expected to drive sustainable agricultural practices, enhance income opportunities for local farmers, and set an example for other states to follow. JICA India’s Chief Representative, Takuro Takeuchi, expressed confidence in the project’s potential, stating that it reflects JICA’s continued commitment to fostering sustainable and inclusive agricultural growth. “By equipping smallholder farmers with market-oriented tools and strategies, this project will not only transform horticulture in Uttarakhand but also serve as a model for other states,” he said.
Key aspects of the project include capacity-building for district horticulture officers and extension staff. Local authorities will play an integral role in implementing the project, with JICA experts offering guidance and technical expertise to ensure long-term success. This collaboration between JICA and the Uttarakhand government is poised to breathe new life into the state’s horticulture sector, which has immense potential but has faced numerous obstacles in the past. By enhancing the market linkages and improving farming practices, the project aims to uplift Uttarakhand’s agricultural community and pave the way for future development in the region. As this initiative gets underway, it holds the promise of bringing much-needed change to the lives of Uttarakhand’s farmers, providing them with sustainable livelihoods while also contributing to the broader agricultural growth of India.
