Press Release

New Delhi, March 31st 2022: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a loan agreement with the Government of India to provide Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan amounting to JPY 6,401 million (approximately INR 413 crores) for the Uttarakhand Integrated Horticulture Development Project.

The objective of the project is to promote profitable horticulture and improve farmer's income by infrastructure development and capacity development for production, processing, and marketing of horticulture crops, thereby contributing to economic and social development in Uttarakhand state.

This project aims to empower farmers through 1) trainings and technology dissemination, with demonstrations for skill development, 2) institutional development of FPO (Farmer Producer Organisations), 3) capacity building of FPO, 4) creating managerial cadres for supply chain management of fruits, vegetables, spices etc., 5) establishment of centers of excellence showcasing hi-tech cultivation of fruits and vegetables, 6) rejuvenation of senile plantation, and 7) provide support to farmers for adoption of sustainable organic horticulture practices. Climate change adaptation measures shall also be strategically promoted via this project.

The loan agreement was signed between Mr. Rajat Kumar Mishra, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance nd Mr. SAITO Mitsunori, Chief Representative, JICA India.

Speaking on this occasion, Mr. SAITO Mitsunori, Chief Representative, JICA India said, "The Government of India has committed to boost the agricultural / horticulture development and to double the farmer's income by 2022, especially in the rural areas under the strategy named "Doubling Farmer's Income (2017)". It is therefore important to increase the productivity of the existing cultivated area as well as add value of horticultural produces, overcoming the major constraints, such as lack of access to services including water, technology and agricultural input and insufficient marketing facilities. This project aims at doubling the productivity of fruits, vegetables and spices or more, and would increase net irrigated area for 2,090 ha. JICA is elated to partner with the Department of Horticulture for the Uttarakhand Forest Resource Management Project."

In Uttarakhand, the landholdings are small and fragmented and irrigation facilities are not developed properly, due to predominantly hilly terrain. This project will focus on service delivery and improvement in sustainable manner through transfer of technology and supply of quality planting material to the farmers.

JICA is committed to uplift the agriculture and horticulture sector in India, through its bespoke projects in the country.

Exchange Rate: INR 1/-=JPY 1.55/-

About JICA

Established, by a specific law, as an incorporated administrative institution under the Government of Japan, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) aims to contribute to the promotion of international cooperation, as a sole Japanese governmental agency in charge of ODA implementation. JICA is the world's largest bilateral donor agency. JICA works as a bridge between Japan and emerging countries, and provides assistance in forms of loan, grant and technical cooperation so that the emerging countries can strengthen their capabilities.

• JICA India Office Web
• JICA India Brochure
• JICA Facebook Page (external link)

For further information, please contact:

JICA India Office
Shusaku Takada / Aishwarya Mishra
+91 11 49097000
Takada.Shusaku@jica.go.jp ; Mishra-Aishwarya@jica.go.jp

Edelman India
Rakhi Aurora
(+91) 9599067185
Rakhi.Aurora@edelman.com