Current Affairs

Uttarakhand Khet Bachao Abhiyan agricultural scheme

Source:aninews ↗

Why It Matters

Crucial for UKPSC aspirants tracking state-specific welfare initiatives, rural economic strategies, and agricultural policies aimed at mitigating hill-migration.

Summary

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami launched the 'Khet Bachao Abhiyan' to enhance agricultural growth, protect arable land from becoming barren, and strengthen rural livelihoods across the hill state.

Key Points

  • Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami launched the 'Khet Bachao Abhiyan' (Save Fields Campaign) aimed at boosting agricultural growth and supporting farmers in the state.
  • The campaign focuses on addressing issues like agricultural land degradation, preventing barren lands, and enhancing rural agrarian sustainability in Uttarakhand.
  • It aligns with state initiatives to promote local farming, prevent migration from hill regions by strengthening rural livelihoods, and encourage modern agricultural practices.

Important Terms

Khet Bachao Abhiyan

A major agricultural campaign launched in Uttarakhand to protect arable land from becoming barren, enhance soil health, boost horticulture, and strengthen rural livelihoods.

UPSC context

Important for UKPSC Mains (Paper V - Agriculture, Rural Development, and State Schemes in Uttarakhand). Tests knowledge of state-specific developmental initiatives.

Source
Uttarakhand Government

The sub-national executive governing body of Uttarakhand, responsible for implementing state welfare schemes, agricultural policies, and rural development programs.

UPSC context

Relevant for UKPSC Polity and Governance (Paper II & V), testing administration, policy implementation, and state executive functions.

Static Concepts Connected

Uttarakhand Agriculture & Geography

What are the major traditional coarse grains (millets) promoted in Uttarakhand's hill agriculture?

  • Mandua Millet: Finger Millet (Mandua / Eleusine coracana) is a staple rich in calcium and iron, widely cultivated in terrace farming.
  • Jhangora Millet: Barnyard Millet (Jhangora / Echinochloa frumentacea) is drought-resistant and thrives in the marginal soils of Uttarakhand's hills.
  • Policy Push: Both crops form the bedrock of traditional rain-fed hill farming and are receiving renewed policy push under state agricultural missions.

Cross-Topic Patterns

  • Migration + Hill Agriculture + Rural Development

    Hill migration in Uttarakhand is closely tied to land abandonment (barren fields) and lack of remunerative local farming, prompting joint state-center agrarian interventions.

  • Mandua/Jhangora Millets + National Food Security

    Promotion of millets under state campaigns links local agrarian schemes to India's national push for Shree Anna and nutritional security.

UKPSC frequently asks specific scheme objectives and locations; expect questions on Khet Bachao Abhiyan's focus on stopping hill migration.

Linked PYQs · 3

Linked PYQs · 3

  • 2025UKPSC_PRELIMSGS1

    Consider the following statements and select the correct answer from the options given below : Statement 1 : Uttarakhand is highly vulnerable to climate change. Statement 2 : Climate change is causing water stress and depleting biodiversity in Uttarakhand.

  • 2025UKPSC_PRELIMSGS1

    Consider the following statements with reference to animal husbandry in Uttarakhand. Select the correct answer from the codes given below : 1. Animal husbandry is a supplementary occupation of agriculture. 2. Sheep rearing in the mountainous areas has been affected by environmental degradation.

  • 2024UKPSC_PRELIMSGS1

    UTDB is established in Uttarakhand to promote: