By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday gave his approval in principle to the Rs 3800 crore plan prepared by the Uttarakhand government for making farmers self-reliant in the hill state.
The move came after Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met Chouhan in Delhi to discuss the state’s needs in the areas of agriculture and rural development.
During the meeting, Union Minister Shri Chouhan assured all possible support to the state and appreciated its efforts, stating that the Uttarakhand government is doing commendable work in these sectors.
The issue of crop damage caused by animals was also raised, particularly in the context of Uttarakhand being a border state with mountainous terrain where it is crucial to protect agricultural produce from wild animals to sustain the population. In response, the Union Agriculture Minister announced immediate relief, and said the Central Government will provide funds under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) to support fencing efforts in the state.