Dehradun, Oct. 13 -- Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday urged farmers to adopt modern technology and scientific farming methods to make agriculture in Uttarakhand more productive, sustainable, and profitable. He was addressing the 118th All India Farmers' Fair and Agricultural Industry Exhibition held at GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, US Nagar district. He urged agricultural scientists to conduct research on Uttarakhand's traditional farming systems like -how the ancestors preserved soil fertility and maintained sustainable production for generations and how to ensure that new knowledge reaches farmers swiftly. "Your research and technical expertise must not stay in laboratories. It should reach our farmers to strengthen our agricultural economy and ensure prosperity in rural areas," he said. The Chief Minister unveiled new pulse varieties developed by Pantnagar University and released a book titled Pantnagar Pravah. Addressing the Silver Jubilee State Foundation Seminar and Dialogue session at the fair, Dhami said that more than 400 stalls have been set up this year, including over 200 by industries, startups, and entrepreneurs from various states involved in the agriculture sector. He said such events go beyond displaying agricultural products and equipment, serving as a vital platform for knowledge exchange among farmers, scientists, and entrepreneurs. Through these exhibitions, farmers gain exposure to modern agricultural techniques, improved seed varieties, new research, and advanced machinery-all under one roof. Dhami expressed confidence that the new technologies showcased at the fair would enable farmers to integrate traditional wisdom with scientific innovation, helping them increase productivity, sustainability, and profitability. This, he said, would strengthen the state's agricultural system and improve farmers' livelihoods. He added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is rapidly progressing toward becoming a developed nation. "The Centre, he said, is striving to double farmers' income through various welfare schemes. More than 11 crore farmers across the country are receiving financial assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, with about nine lakh farmers in Uttarakhand benefitting annually from Rs.6,000 each", he said. He said farmers are also being protected through the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, while the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for major crops has been increased to ensure fair returns. The Soil Health Card scheme is helping farmers understand soil fertility and use the right fertilizers, leading to better yields and healthier soil, he said. Dhami also highlighted several state-level initiatives, including the Kisan Maandhan Yojana, Millet Mission, and Horticulture Development Mission. In this year's state budget, agriculture has been recognised as the "primary engine of growth," with the Kisan Credit Card limit raised from Rs.3 lakh to Rs.5 lakh, he said. He added that irrigation from canals has been made free for farmers, and Rs.200 crore has been allocated for constructing polyhouses to boost income. "Under this scheme, around 350 polyhouses have been built with an investment of Rs.115 crore," he said. Farmers are also being provided a bonus of Rs.20 per quintal on wheat procurement, and sugarcane prices have been raised by Rs.20 per quintal, he added. Dhami said government has approved Uttarakhand Climate Responsive Rain-Fed Farming Project worth Rs.1,000 crore to boost rain-fed farming in hilly regions. He said that under new Apple, Kiwi, Millet, and Dragon Fruit policies, farmers are being offered up to 80% subsidy to promote horticulture. Grants are also being provided for grading and sorting units to improve produce quality, he said. Dhami said implementing the UCC is a historic step towards ensuring equal laws and rights for all citizens. "It is not against any religion or sect. It is a constitutional step to promote equality and harmony," he said, adding that the move has also strengthened women's empowerment. Vice-Chancellor Manmohan Singh Chauhan thanked the Chief Minister for supporting research and reform, stating that the university is working on integrated farming models across the state. He said 507 stalls have been set up at the fair, which has so far seen participation from nearly 20,000 farmers....