Farmers in Pabo block of Pauri Garhwal are now growing flowers together. Under Pabo floriculture, they cultivate chrysanthemum and gladiolus through cooperative collective farming. Notably, the work runs under the Veer Madho Singh Bhandari Collective Cooperative Farming Scheme. By January 2026, flower farming had become a source of prosperity there. So, barren hill land is turning into a source of income.
How the Pabo Project Began
Cooperation Minister Dr Dhan Singh Rawat launched collective farming in Pabo on 3 August 2025. The launch took place at Chopra village in Pabo development block. Also, about 170 nali of barren land came under the plough. At the launch, the minister sowed flower seeds with farmers. In addition, the plan covered millets alongside flowers.
What the Minister Said
Rawat called the scheme a decisive step towards using barren land. Moreover, he said it would modernise traditional farming and cut costs. He also expected it to raise farmers’ incomes in rural Uttarakhand. Hence, officials see Pabo as a model for other hill villages.
The Scheme Across Uttarakhand
The Cooperation Department runs the scheme through cooperative societies. Under it, farmers pool unused land into clusters and farm it with modern methods. By November 2025, collective farming covered 1,235 acres. Also, about 2,400 farmers and 24 cooperative societies had joined. Meanwhile, the state had selected 70 clusters. Finally, the target is to revive 4,750 acres of unused land.
Goals of the Scheme
The scheme aims to turn barren and vacant land into farmland. Further, it seeks to encourage reverse migration within the state. It also aims to develop multipurpose primary agricultural credit societies as business units. In addition, it promotes millets, vegetables, fruits, herbs and agri-tourism.
Who Was Madho Singh Bhandari?
Madho Singh Bhandari was a 17th-century general of the Garhwal kingdom. Notably, folklore remembers him for a tunnel canal that brought water to Malethi village.
Pabo Floriculture: Key Facts for Revision
- Place: Pabo development block, Pauri Garhwal
- Flowers: Chrysanthemum and gladiolus
- Scheme: Veer Madho Singh Bhandari Collective Cooperative Farming Scheme
- Launch in Pabo: 3 August 2025, Chopra village, by Dr Dhan Singh Rawat
- Land at launch: About 170 nali of barren land
- State coverage (Nov 2025): 1,235 acres, about 2,400 farmers, 24 societies
Why Pabo Floriculture Matters for UKPSC
Notably, barren land and hill migration are major themes in Uttarakhand’s economy. So, remember Pabo, the two flowers and the scheme’s name. Also, link this model with land consolidation and reverse migration efforts. For official updates, also visit the Cooperation Department, Uttarakhand. Next, for a related story, read about the voluntary land consolidation policy. You can also download our free Uttarakhand Current Affairs magazine.
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