MSP boost for farmers as state shows a new model of chemical-free agriculture
Sourabh Sood
KANGRA:
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the Himachal Pradesh government has launched a revolutionary transformation in the agriculture sector with the goal of making the state a ‘natural farming state’ by 2030, and the results are already showing promising signs.
To steer farmers towards chemical-free cultivation and ensure fair prices for their produce, the government has taken a historic step by announcing minimum support price (MSP) for natural products.
With this announcement, Himachal Pradesh has become the first state in the country to offer MSP for natural farming products, opening a new path for other states to follow.
Highest MSP for key crops
To incentivise farmers, the government has announced attractive support prices for various crops. Natural wheat will fetch Rs 60 per kg, maize Rs 40 per kg, raw turmeric Rs 90 per kg and barley from the Pangi region Rs 60 per kg. In the previous season, large quantities of wheat and maize were procured, with payments directly credited to farmers’ bank accounts.
Storage and Marketing: ‘Him-Bhog’ Strengthens Branding
The government is setting up modern facilities to bring natural produce directly to consumers.
• High-tech grain storage: Advanced silos are being constructed for safe storage of naturally grown grains.
• Him-Bhog: Natural maize flour has been launched under the special brand ‘Him-Bhog’ and is being sold through the public distribution system as well as the e-commerce portal Him-Era.
• Dedicated market space: Ten major agricultural produce market committees in the state have reserved separate spaces for natural produce, providing farmers direct market access.
Target of 1 lakh families, start of empowerment
The state government is focusing on expanding the ‘Natural Farming Happy Farmer Scheme’. Chief Minister Sukhu has directed that one lakh additional families be linked to natural farming within the next year.
A robust self-certification system has been implemented to ensure quality and transparency, with 1.96 lakh farmers already enrolled. Model farms established in Kangra, Sirmaur and Solan serve as training centres for other farmers.
Currently, over 2.22 lakh farmers are practising natural farming on approximately 38,437 hectares of land. All farms under the agriculture department have been directed to adopt only natural farming, reflecting the government’s commitment to this mission. Himachal has now emerged as a leading model for sustainable and chemical-free agriculture in India.
Expert says steps having far-reaching impact
“This step by the Himachal Pradesh government will have far-reaching effects. With MSP guaranteed, farmers will adopt natural farming without risk, increasing their income while providing healthy grains to consumers. This policy signals a revolutionary change for the country’s agricultural sector,” said Dr RK Sharma, an agricultural economist from Shimla.
