Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami revealed intentions to launch a “Malta Mission” aimed at enhancing citrus fruit cultivation in the state. The goal is to position Uttarakhand as India’s horticulture hub. Dhami, speaking at the Uttarakhand Malta Festival 2026, highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting farmers by offering an 80% subsidy for micro irrigation.
The Chief Minister emphasized the significance of the Malta Mission, drawing parallels to the successful Apple and Kiwi Policy implementations. He expressed plans to kickstart orchards dedicated to citrus fruits as a top priority for the government. Dhami announced the program’s initiation in Dehradun, with future events planned across various districts and a major program in Delhi to elevate Malta’s recognition nationally and internationally.
Union Minister of Agriculture, Farmers Welfare, and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan recently unveiled substantial initiatives for Uttarakhand, including a Rs 100 crore Clean Plant Programme and significant allocations for rural infrastructure and crop damage compensation. At a farmers’ conference in Chamoli district, Chouhan outlined strategies to revolutionize the state’s agriculture and rural economy, focusing on enhancing plant quality and establishing farming models tailored to small landholders.
Chouhan also disclosed plans for a Clean Plant Centre to produce disease-free saplings of various fruits, including kiwi, apple, malta, and citrus fruits. Additionally, collaborations with New Zealand are in progress to establish a Centre of Excellence for kiwi cultivation, with the vision of positioning Uttarakhand as a leading horticulture destination in India. The minister emphasized the importance of an integrated farming approach that incorporates diverse agricultural activities to boost farmers’ income and accelerate economic progress in the state.
