Uttarakhand Agri Mitra Mela Postponed Amid Corruption Allegations; Minister’s Visit Cancelled
The much-awaited Agri Mitra Mela scheduled for June 11–14 in Dehradun has been postponed due to alleged irregularities in its organisation. Accusations of corruption by Swabhiman Morcha President Bobby Panwar have cast a shadow over the event.
In a surprising turn of events, the highly anticipated Agri Mitra Mela, scheduled to be held in Dehradun from June 11 to 14, has been postponed by the Uttarakhand Agriculture Department citing "unavoidable reasons." This announcement comes amid rising controversy over alleged corruption and procedural violations in the organisation of the event.
The fair, set to take place at Jaswant Ground in Dehradun, was expected to be inaugurated by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and was billed as a major event for the farming community. The program aimed to showcase agricultural innovations, millet-based products, local crafts, and also include cultural performances celebrating rural traditions and farmer contributions.
However, the celebration was derailed after Uttarakhand Swabhiman Morcha President Bobby Panwar accused the organisers of serious irregularities, claiming that preparations for the fair had started even before the tender process was officially completed. According to Panwar, a private firm began setting up infrastructure and transporting materials to the venue days before any public bidding was finalized — a move that he says suggests blatant fixing and misuse of authority.
"Goods were already arriving and setups being made before any tender was officially opened. If that isn’t pre-decided corruption, then what is?" questioned Panwar during a press briefing.
These allegations gained traction rapidly, raising concerns about transparency and misuse of public funds. Sources at the venue also confirmed that materials and setup items brought earlier have now been removed, indicating a full rollback of preparations.
In light of the controversy and public scrutiny, the Agriculture Department quietly announced the postponement, without specifying a new date or clarity on further investigation. Meanwhile, Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s visit to Dehradun for the event has also been cancelled.
The postponement has disappointed several farmer groups and exhibitors who had prepared for months. Many were looking forward to showcasing their millet innovations and eco-friendly farming techniques in line with the government’s push towards sustainable agriculture.
While the department maintains that the fair is merely delayed, no clear roadmap or revised schedule has been provided so far. Questions now loom large about accountability and the tendering process, and whether a probe will be initiated into the claims made by Bobby Panwar.
As the state’s agriculture sector watches closely, the spotlight is now firmly on the Uttarakhand Agriculture Department’s functioning and transparency, and on whether corrective measures will be taken to restore public trust.
