Is Uttarakhand's CM Pushkar Singh Dhami's 'Malta Mission' a Game Changer for Citrus Production?
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Synopsis
Uttarakhand's Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has announced a transformative initiative known as the 'Malta Mission' aimed at significantly boosting citrus fruit production. This plan not only supports local farmers with subsidies but also seeks to elevate the state's status as the horticultural capital of India, promising a brighter future for agriculture in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Uttarakhand's 'Malta Mission' aims to enhance citrus production.
- 80% subsidy for micro irrigation will be provided to farmers.
- Event initiated in Dehradun with plans to expand.
- Collaboration with New Zealand for kiwi cultivation excellence.
- Focus on integrated farming models for smallholders.
Dehradun, Jan 3 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami, unveiled plans for a new initiative dubbed the ‘Malta Mission’ aimed at enhancing the cultivation of citrus fruits, positioning the state as the horticulture capital of India.
During the Uttarakhand Malta Festival 2026, he remarked, “With the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, our focus is on farmer welfare. An 80% subsidy for micro irrigation is part of our strategy.”
“Following the introduction of the Apple and Kiwi Policies, we are now prioritizing the Malta Mission to establish citrus orchards,” Dhami added.
“This event marks the beginning in Dehradun, with plans to expand to other districts soon. We will also host a significant event in Delhi to promote Malta on both national and international stages,” he disclosed to the media.
“I also shared that, similar to the successful Kiwi Mission that greatly boosted kiwi yields, the Malta Mission will be launched to significantly enhance Malta production,” he informed.
Recently, Union Minister of Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, mentioned that, with support from the Centre, several major initiatives have been kicked off for Uttarakhand, including a ₹100 crore Clean Plant Programme, ₹1700 crore allocated for rural roads, and over ₹65 crore in compensation for crop losses.
Addressing a farmers' conference in Gauchar, Chamoli district, which Dhami attended alongside state officials and thousands of farmers, Chouhan outlined plans to transform the agricultural and rural landscape of the state.
A modern Clean Plant Centre will be established at ICAR-CITH Mukteshwar to cultivate millions of disease-free saplings of kiwi, apple, Malta, and other citrus fruits, addressing the longstanding issue of low-quality planting materials from nurseries. A Centre of Excellence for kiwi cultivation, in collaboration with New Zealand, will further solidify Uttarakhand's status as the horticulture capital of India.
Chouhan also revealed plans for an integrated farming model tailored for smallholders, merging crops, fruits, vegetables, medicinal and aromatic plants, livestock, and aquaculture. This strategy aligns with Prime Minister Modi's vision to enable farmers to exploit the state’s unique herbs, significantly boosting their earnings.
A team of scientists, officers, and experts will devise a five-year agricultural roadmap for Uttarakhand through discussions with progressive farmers and local stakeholders.
The minister highlighted that the state is already a leader in farmer income growth and emphasized the importance of accelerating this advancement.
Point of View
The announcement of the 'Malta Mission' by Uttarakhand's CM Pushkar Singh Dhami is a noteworthy step towards enhancing the agricultural sector. By focusing on citrus production and offering substantial support to farmers, this initiative aligns with the broader national goal of promoting agricultural sustainability and economic growth.
NationPress
04/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'Malta Mission'?
The 'Malta Mission' is an initiative launched by Uttarakhand's CM aimed at boosting the production of citrus fruits in the state, with the goal of establishing Uttarakhand as the horticulture capital of India.
What support is being provided to farmers?
Farmers will receive an 80% subsidy for micro irrigation to assist in the cultivation of citrus fruits under the 'Malta Mission.'
How does this mission relate to previous initiatives?
The 'Malta Mission' is comparable to earlier initiatives like the Apple and Kiwi Policies, which successfully enhanced the production of these fruits in Uttarakhand.
