Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Department of Horticulture and Food Processing (DHFP), Government of Uttarakhand, have signed the ‘Records of Discussions’, an official agreement document, for a Technical Cooperation Project (TCP) titled ‘Uttarakhand Integrated Horticulture Development Promotion Project’.
The project aims to promote stable production of horticulture crops and strengthen marketing system through the dissemination of integrated model of market-oriented production and proper management of distribution facilities in Tehri Garhwal and Nainital districts of Uttarakhand. A media statement said that the four-year project is expected to contribute a long-term object to expand market-oriented production and distribution model throughout Uttarakhand.
With 39 per cent of Uttarakhand’s total population engaged in primary sector, including agriculture, and 90 per cent of farmers owning less than two hectares of land, the State has significant potential for horticulture development. However, challenges such as limited access to advanced techniques, inadequate infrastructure, and the impact of climate change have hindered growth.
Full-scale implementation
While JICA’s ongoing Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan with the department focusses on strengthening Farmer Producer Organisations, enhancing supply chains, and increasing productivity of high-value crops, the TCP will accelerate the progress and maximise the impact of ODA loan project.
The statement said the project will mark the beginning of a full-scale implementation of Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment and Promotion (SHEP) approach, an approach developed by JICA that enables farmers to better align their production with market demands.
Empowering smallholder farmers
Quoting Takuro Takeuchi, Chief Representative of JICA India, the statement said: “This project is testament to our commitment to foster sustainable and inclusive growth in Uttarakhand’s agriculture sector. Through the combined efforts of Government of India and JICA, we are not only addressing long-standing challenges in the horticulture sector but also laying the groundwork for empowering smallholder farmers with market-oriented tools and strategies. The signing of the ‘Record of Discussions’ not only marks the beginning of SHEP scale-up in Uttarakhand but also serve as a model for other States. We look forward to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of this project.”
The project will focus on capacity development of human resources such as District Horticulture Officers and extension staff members. Additionally, the active involvement of key stakeholders, including DHFP, local authorities, and JICA experts, will play a crucial role in providing technical guidance and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the initiative, it said.