The Newz Radar
DHARAMSHALA: Members of the Kangra Farmers and Nurserymen Organisation on Tuesday (February 13, 2024) met Himachal Pradesh Agriculture Minister Chander Kumar Chaudhary at Kotla to address concerns surrounding the allocation of budget towards the “Mukhya Mantri Nutan Polyhouse Scheme”. This initiative by the state Agriculture Ministry aims to promote protective cultivation under polyhouses across the state.
The farmers highlighted a significant issue: the recent cessation of funding for the polyhouse schemes by the current government. Over the years, both the BJP and Congress-led governments have consistently allocated adequate funds for such initiatives. However, for the past year, this crucial scheme has been discontinued, causing distress among aspiring young farmers who see polyhouse farming as a viable livelihood option.
“This abrupt halt in government support is disheartening for numerous reasons. Firstly, it undermines the aspirations of young farmers eager to embrace polyhouse farming. Secondly, it casts doubt on the future of polyhouse projects in the state, despite numerous success stories demonstrating their efficacy in enhancing farmers’ incomes and creating employment opportunities,” said the organisation in a statement.
The farmers emphasised the pivotal role of state-funded schemes in driving agricultural development and socio-economic growth. They stressed that several farmers not only from Himachal Pradesh but also from other states have flourished through polyhouse farming, contributing to both their own sustenance and the broader community’s welfare.
Despite the current setback, farmers remain hopeful that the government will reconsider its stance and resume support for polyhouse projects. They urged the government to realign its vision and extend assistance to farmers in establishing polyhouse projects. Such a move, they believe, will not only bolster agricultural development but also pave the way for overall state progress.
