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India Gazette
2 days ago
- Business
- India Gazette
Govt according top priority to strengthen rural economy to realize dream of self-reliant Himachal: CM Sukhu
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], June 11 (ANI): Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the state government is working with a resolve to make Himachal Pradesh a self-reliant and prosperous state, for which various measures have been taken during the last two and a half years. He remarked that this dream can only be realised by strengthening the rural economy, as more than 80 per cent of Himachal's population is dependent on agriculture and horticulture. Shifting focus to raising the economy of the agrarian community is the state government's top priority. 'Himachal has become the first State in the country to provide a Minimum Support Price (MSP) on organic products produced from natural farming. My government twice enhanced the MSP on the procurement of maize, firstly to Rs. 30 and thereafter to Rs. 40 per kilogram and that of wheat from Rs 40 to Rs 60 per kilogram. Besides, my government is providing an MSP of Rs. 90 per kilogram to increase the production of raw turmeric,' Chief Minister said. The state government has introduced maize flour produced through natural farming under the brand name Him- Bhog Him- Makki. This product highlights the state's commitment to sustainable agriculture and empowering farmers. More than 4,000 quintals of maize have been procured from as many as 1590 farmer families practising natural farming across 10 districts of the state, excluding Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur, an official release said. Sukhu said the state government has made Him-bhog Him-Makki maize flour available through the Public Distribution System (PDS) depots across the state. 'This flour is also available for sale on HIM-ERA, the government-authorised portal. This initiative aims to make organic maize flour accessible to both urban and rural populations, he said, adding that Rs 1.20 crore was directly transferred to farmers' bank accounts for the procurement of around 400 metric tonnes of maize.' The state government has decided to provide an MSP for raw turmeric from this financial year, which will be processed and marketed under the brand name 'Himachal Haldi'. The state government has set a target to connect 9.61 lakh farmers with natural farming in a phased manner, reiterated the Chief Minister. 'When the Congress came to power two and a half years ago, I observed that the farmers used to sell their land under compulsion just to repay the loan amount. We decided to help such farmers through the Interest Subvention Scheme, as a one-time settlement, especially for those facing land auctions', said the Chief Minister. He said that during the last two and a half years, a shifting trend has been witnessed in the agrarian economy, wherein farmers are shifting their focus towards natural farming. Farmers in large numbers across the state, have adopted chemical-free farming which is evident from the fact that over 2,23,000 farmers and horticulturists have adopted natural farming, either partially or fully in almost all the panchayats of the State. The state government has focused upon exploring options for additional income generation for farmers, ensuring fair prices for their produce, providing quality seeds, expanding and strengthening irrigation facilities, providing crop insurance, providing training and promoting agricultural research. This initiative reflects not only a commitment to the environment but also a dedication to empowering farmers and strengthening the rural economy, making Himachal Pradesh a pioneer in sustainable agricultural development, release said. The state government's proactive measures in providing fair pricing, expanding natural farming and supporting small farmers ensure a brighter future for Himachal Pradesh's farming community by bridging the gap between traditional farming practices and modern market demands, thus setting an example for the rest of the country, said the Chief Minister. (ANI)
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Strengthening Himachal's rural economy topmost priority: CM
Shimla, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu on Wednesday said his government is strengthening the rural economy to realise the dream of making Himachal Pradesh a self-reliant and prosperous state. He highlighted that more than 80 per cent of the state's population is dependent on agriculture and horticulture. Therefore, empowering the agrarian community is the topmost priority of the government. He said Himachal has become the first state in the country to provide a minimum support price on organic products obtained from natural farming. "My government twice enhanced the MSP on procurement of maize, firstly to ₹30 and thereafter to ₹40 per kg and that of wheat from ₹40 to ₹60 per kg. Besides, to increase the production of raw turmeric, my government is providing an MSP of ₹90 per kg," said the chief minister. "The state government has introduced maize flour produced through natural farming under the brand name Him-Bhog Him-Makki. This product highlights the state's commitment to sustainable agriculture and empowering farmers. "More than 4,000 quintals of maize have been procured from as many as 1,590 farmer families practising natural farming across 10 districts of the state, excluding Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur", he said. Sukhu said the state government has made Him-Bhog flour available through Public Distribution System depots across the state. It is also available on the government-authorised portal HIM-ERA. This initiative aims to make organic maize flour accessible to both urban and rural populations, he said, adding that ₹1.20 crore was directly transferred to farmers' bank accounts for the procurement of around 400 metric tonnes of maize. "From this financial year, the state government has decided to provide MSP for raw turmeric, which will be processed and marketed under the brand name 'Himachal Haldi'. The state government has set a target to connect 9.61 lakh farmers with natural farming in a phased manner," Sukhu said.
Hans India
25-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Nearly 2,23,000 growers in Himachal Pradesh adopt natural farming
Nearly 2,23,000 farmers and horticulturists in Himachal Pradesh have adopted natural farming, either partially or fully, in almost all panchayats, the government said on Sunday. The government focuses on exploring options for additional income generation for farmers, ensuring fair prices for their produce, providing quality seeds and expanding and strengthening irrigation facilities, besides providing crop insurance and promoting agricultural research. In a first-of-its-kind decision, the government has promoted natural farming by providing a minimum support price (MSP) for various crops grown through this method. Last year, an MSP of Rs 30 per kg was fixed for maize. This decision brought cheers to the faces of farmers and motivated them towards adopting chemical-free farming on a large scale. The government further increased the MSP for maize from Rs 30 to Rs 40 per kg in 2025-26. So far, the government has procured around 400 metric tonnes of maize from 1,509 farmers at the MSP. Similarly, the procurement process for wheat is ongoing in the state, and it is being procured at an MSP of Rs 60 per kg. Seeing the response of the farmer for opting for natural farming, the government has further announced an MSP of Rs 90 on raw turmeric. From this fiscal, the government has decided to provide an MSP for raw turmeric that will be processed and marketed under the brand name 'Himachal Haldi'. The government has set a target to connect 9.61 lakh farmers with natural farming in phases. To facilitate the sale of produce from natural farming, designated spaces are being developed in 10 market yards with the necessary infrastructure. Under the Prakritik Kheti Khushal Yojana, in 2023–24 and 2024-25, an expenditure of Rs 27.60 crore has been incurred, and for the current financial year, a Budget of Rs 7.28 crore has been allocated. A high-level committee at the state level, under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has been formed to provide valuable guidance under the scheme. The implementation and monitoring are being done by a special task force headed by the Chief Secretary. To further encourage farmers to adopt natural farming, the government is providing various types of subsidies, including Rs 750 per drum up to a maximum of Rs 2,250 for the purchase of drums. An assistance of Rs 8,000 is being given for the construction of a concrete floor in cowsheds and for building a pit to collect cow urine. A subsidy of 50 per cent up to a maximum of Rs 25,000 is being provided for the purchase of indigenous cows, with an additional provision of Rs 5,000 for their transportation. Another advantage of natural farming is zero-budget farming. The minimal input costs increase farmers' income, leading to a significant improvement in their standard of living. Crops grown using natural methods are more nutritious, and the absence of chemicals helps preserve the soil's fertility and quality as well.
