Today, Shri Sunil Barthwal, Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, met Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami at the Chief Minister’s residence. On this occasion, the Chief Minister stated that the Uttarakhand government is working on several schemes to make the state a hub for the export of agricultural products.
The Chief Minister mentioned that the “House of Himalayas” has been launched to promote the state’s products. He also highlighted the crucial role of APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) in promoting organic farming, GI-tagged products, and taking Uttarakhand’s products to the global market. The state government is also working on the agricultural industry alongside these initiatives.
During the meeting, Secretary Shri Sunil Barthwal shared that for the first time, the Ministry of Commerce, through APEDA, organized an Industry Interaction Meet in any state. Over 200 participants attended the event, including CEOs of key agro-processing and allied industries from Uttarakhand. He expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for the state government’s support in organizing the meet.
Shri Sunil Barthwal further elaborated that during the Industry Interaction Meet, detailed discussions were held on the potential to promote agriculture and horticulture in Uttarakhand, in line with its climate. Several policy decisions were made to promote the export of agricultural products, organic farming, and GI-tagged products from the state. Under the Tea Development and Promotion Scheme (2023-2026), financial assistance for organic farming and setting up factories for small tea producers in Uttarakhand was also discussed.
During the event, Secretary Shri Sunil Barthwal inaugurated the CART (mobile store) of “House of Himalayas.” Several MoUs were signed with various companies to gain international recognition for Uttarakhand’s local products under the “House of Himalayas” brand.
An MoU was signed between “House of Himalayas” and Lulu Group to promote the global reach and export of Uttarakhand’s high-quality agricultural and processed food products. Additionally, an MoU was signed with the Indian Institute of Packaging to improve packaging standards according to international markets. Another MoU was signed between “House of Himalayas” and the Spices Board to promote local spice cultivation and manufacturing in Uttarakhand and give them global recognition.
Also present on the occasion were Principal Secretary Shri R.K. Sudhanshu, Secretary Radhika Jha, Director R.K. Mishra, and Additional Secretary Shri Manoj Goyal.
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