In a major step to generate self-employment and curb migration from hill districts, the Uttarakhand government has approved a subsidy of Rs 10 per kg on poultry feed for farmers. The decision, cleared in a state cabinet meeting, will benefit operators of 1,597 poultry units across nine hill districts.
According to officials, poultry farmers in Almora, Chamoli, Uttarkashi, Pithoragarh, Champawat, Pauri, Bageshwar, Tehri, and Rudraprayag will be the direct beneficiaries. Currently, 816 units are running under the Broiler Farm scheme and 781 under the Kukkut Ghati (Poultry Valley) scheme.
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Farmers from these regions had long demanded relief, as they purchase poultry feed at higher prices compared to the plains, resulting in higher production costs and poor market returns. With this subsidy, the state aims to not only stabilise poultry businesses but also encourage new units, especially in border villages where farmers supply poultry and eggs to the ITBP.
A total of Rs 2.83 crore has been allocated for the scheme.
Other Cabinet Decisions
- A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) named Dehradun City Transport Limited will be set up to improve the city’s traffic system.
- 9.918 hectares of land to be transferred to the District Development Authority in Udham Singh Nagar for colonies and commercial projects.
- Creation of two new posts in the establishment office of the Advocate General at the Nainital High Court.
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- Permission to table the ninth annual report of the Uttarakhand Right to Service Act in the Legislative Assembly.
- Exemption from procurement rules for expenses incurred during the Northern Zonal Regional Conference held in Dehradun in April.