From ‘dry & thirsty’ Bundelkhand to hub of organic farming: Yogi govt readies plan for transformation
"Bundelkhand has immense potential for development. The Uttar Pradesh government wants to establish the region as an innovative standard of development. We want to make Bundelkhand a hub of organic farming," CM Yogi said in a video conference.
New Delhi: Bundelkhand region spreading over UP & MP, has a recurring problem of acute water scarcity in summers, every year. The region faces scarce water availability throughout the year but its peaks during summer months of April to June
Most hand-pumps go dry in the region, with people travelling miles to bring drinking water.
Yogi Adityanath government has planned a major transformation of the region by bringing sea-change in agricultural habit in the region. UP CM has said that his government is looking to make the region a hub of organic farming.
He added that the step will not only help farmers get rid of harmful chemical fertilisers but will also help them get higher prices for their products.
“Bundelkhand has immense potential for development. The Uttar Pradesh government wants to establish the region as an innovative standard of development. We want to make Bundelkhand a hub of organic farming,” the CM said in a video conference while reviewing district-wise development work of the Chitrakoot-Dham division.
Asking the officials to inform locals about the organic and zero budget agriculture, he added, “This will not only help farmers get rid of harmful chemical fertilisers, but will help them get a higher price of the product. The officials of the department concerned should make the farmers aware of the organic and zero budget agriculture.”
Better water management in Bundelkhand with Israel support
Yogi government recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Israel for improving water management in the region.
Both sides signed the India-Israel Bundelkhand Water Project for the management of water resources in the region. The project was developed by the MASHAV — Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Under the project, the water harvesting work will be done in the area through improved agricultural measures and integrated drip irrigation. As many as 25 villages will be included under this project in Bundelkhand.
Bundelkhand Expressway and Chitrakoot Dham
The state government is constructing the Bundelkhand Expressway which will pass through the districts of Chitrakoot, Banda, Hamirpur, and Jalaun.
This expressway will link the Bundelkhand area to Delhi through the Agra-Lucknow expressway and Yamuna expressway as well as play a vital role in the development of Bundelkhand region. The 296-kilometre long Expressway will provide a four-lane access-controlled route in Uttar Pradesh.
A defence corridor is also being made and Bundelkhand will be connected to it. Chitrakoot Dham will benefit from the Bundelkhand expressway.
Lord Ram is believed to have spent most of his time during his 14-year exile in Chitrakoot.