Green Revolution in the Hills: Over 2.2 Lakh Himachal Growers Embrace Natural Farming

Nearly 2,23,000 farmers and horticulturists in Himachal Pradesh have adopted natural farming practices, either fully or partially, across almost every panchayat in the state. This shift towards chemical-free agriculture is being driven by government initiatives such as the Prakritik Kheti Khushal Kisan Yojana, which offers financial incentives, technical training, and the highest minimum support prices (MSP) in India for naturally grown crops like maize, wheat, and turmeric.

 

The government has increased MSP for maize to ₹40/kg and for wheat and raw turmeric to ₹60/kg and ₹90/kg respectively, motivating more growers to transition to sustainable methods. Dedicated market spaces are being developed to facilitate the sale of natural produce, while subsidies for essential equipment and livestock further support farmers.

 

A high-level committee led by the Chief Minister oversees the scheme, with a special task force ensuring effective implementation and monitoring. The state aims to connect 9.61 lakh farmers to natural farming in phases, with over 3 lakh already trained and nearly 2 lakh certified under the CETARA-NF programme.

 

This natural farming movement is not only boosting farmer incomes but also promoting environmental sustainability across Himachal’s scenic landscapes.

 

Source: The Hans India