The Uttarakhand government has lifted the ban on summer paddy cultivation in Udham Singh Nagar for this year, providing major relief to local farmers. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami shared the decision through a news agency, stating that the exemption is temporary.
The move follows continued protests by farmer groups opposing the ban. Kichha MLA Tilak Raj Behar had warned of a large-scale agitation, while Gadarpur MLA Arvind Pandey submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister demanding the ban be revoked. Farmers had argued that the restriction was unjust and harmed their livelihood.
CM Dhami clarified that while the ban has been lifted for this year, it may be reimposed from next year. He emphasized that the restriction was originally introduced to support water conservation and environmental balance, which remain long-term priorities for the state.
