Dehradun, (Uttarakhand) : Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami chaired a special ceremony at his residence in Dehradun for the signing of a memorandum of understanding under the Vibrant Village Program. The agreement was made between the Indo-Tibetan Border Police and the Uttarakhand Horticulture Council to ensure a steady supply of locally grown fruits and vegetables to the ITBP battalions stationed across the state.
The initiative is designed to serve two important purposes. First, it will provide soldiers deployed in remote and border areas with fresh, nutritious, and high-quality produce, strengthening their health and overall well-being. Second, it offers a reliable market for farmers in border villages, allowing them to sell their crops at fair prices and improve their livelihoods.
Officials highlighted that under this programme, ITBP has already purchased local products worth Rs. 14.77 crore, and efforts are underway to expand this further. The focus is on building a sustainable system where the needs of both the security forces and the farmers are met in a coordinated way.
During the ceremony, Chief Minister Dhami stressed the importance of connecting local communities with national initiatives. He noted that supporting farmers while ensuring that soldiers have access to nutritious food creates a win-win situation for both sides.
Cabinet Minister Ganesh Joshi was also present at the signing, adding his support to the initiative and emphasizing the positive impact it would have on rural communities.
The Vibrant Village Programme aims to promote development in border villages by focusing on infrastructure, livelihoods, and access to essential services. This agreement is a practical step toward fulfilling that vision, linking local agriculture with the daily needs of those serving in challenging environments.
By bringing together farmers and soldiers, this initiative ensures that rural communities benefit from a dependable market while those protecting the borders receive fresh and healthy food. It is an example of how thoughtful planning can address multiple goals simultaneously.
Chief Minister Dhami encouraged continued collaboration and said such initiatives show how local resources and talent can be leveraged for broader social and economic benefit. With this agreement, Uttarakhand is taking a meaningful step toward strengthening rural economies while caring for the well-being of its brave soldiers.
