Amit Shah lauds Sukhu govt for natural farming initiatives in Himachal

Indian Express

25-07-2025

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah praised the Himachal government's initiatives in natural farming at the Manthan Baithak held recently on cooperatives, a state government spokesperson said on Friday.
The spokesperson said Shah especially commended Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for taking the lead in promoting chemical-free agriculture, setting an example for the rest of the country. The meeting was attended by cooperative ministers from all states.
The spokesperson quoted Shah as saying, 'Himachal mein natural farming main bahut acche experiments hue hain (There have been very good experiments of natural farming in Himachal)'.
Thousands of farmers in Himachal Pradesh have shifted to natural farming as the state lays special emphasis on strengthening the rural economy. With over 80 per cent of the population residing in rural areas, agriculture, horticulture, and animal husbandry continue to be the main sources of livelihood.
Sukhu stated that there has been a steady and encouraging rise in the number of farmers adopting natural farming practices. Over 2.23 lakh farmers and horticulturists across almost all panchayats have already embraced chemical-free agriculture, either partially or fully.
He informed that Himachal Pradesh is the first state in the country to promote natural farming by introducing Minimum Support Price (MSP) for various crops cultivated through this method. Last year, an MSP of Rs 30 per kg was fixed for maize, which has now been increased to Rs 40 per kg. So far, the government has procured around 400 metric tonnes of maize from 1,509 farmers at the revised support price.
Similarly, wheat and raw turmeric grown under natural farming techniques are being procured at an MSP of Rs 60 per kg and Rs 90 per kg respectively. This turmeric will be processed and marketed under the brand name 'Himachal Haldi'. The state government aims to connect 9.61 lakh farmers with natural farming in a phased manner.
In another significant move, the government has declared the Pangi sub-division in Chamba district as the state's first natural farming sub-division, with the goal of preserving traditional farming practices, enhancing food security, and promoting sustainable livelihoods in the remote tribal valley. Currently, around 2,244 farmer families in Pangi are practicing chemical-free farming. The government plans to convert all 2,920 hectares of cultivated land in the valley to 100 per cent natural farming.
This initiative is expected to boost tribal entrepreneurship, preserve heirloom seed varieties, and celebrate the region's agro-cultural heritage. It will also ensure fair and remunerative prices for farmers, many of whom had earlier been forced to lease out their land while living outside the valley.
To support the marketing of natural produce, designated spaces are being developed in 10 market yards with requisite infrastructure. Under the Prakritik Kheti–Khushal Kisan Yojana, a natural farming scheme, a total expenditure of Rs 27.60 crore was incurred during 2023–2024.