Himachal Pradesh to Launch ‘Himbhog,’ Its First Organic Maize Flour Brand
Himachal Pradesh, in a significant move to promote natural farming and enhance the livelihoods of local farmers, is set to introduce its first-ever organic maize flour brand, ‘Himbhog.’ The announcement was made by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, marking a major step in the state government’s push for sustainable agriculture and eco-friendly practices.
Boosting Natural Farming Practices
This initiative aligns with Himachal Pradesh’s ongoing efforts to champion natural farming as a sustainable alternative to conventional methods. The state has successfully procured over 4,000 quintals of maize from 1,506 farmer families who practice natural farming. The procurement is part of the larger drive to establish a robust market for organically grown produce.
The largest contributions to this procurement came from Solan district, which provided 1,140 quintals of maize, followed by Chamba (810 quintals) and Mandi (650 quintals). Notably, the procurement effort does not include the regions of Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur, where farming conditions differ.
High Support for Farmers
Himachal Pradesh has established itself as a trailblazer in the field of organic farming by offering the highest Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops grown through natural methods in India. Farmers involved in organic maize cultivation are receiving Rs. 30 per kilogram, while those growing organic wheat are being paid Rs. 40 per kilogram.
This pricing structure is part of a broader push to encourage natural farming in the state, where 35,000 hectares of land are now dedicated to these practices. This benefits 1.98 lakh farmers, many of whom are seeing higher income through organic methods.
Support Systems for Farmers
To further facilitate this transition, the state government has been actively supporting farmers. Over 1.5 lakh farmers have received free certification for their natural farming practices, and an additional 36,000 farmers are being brought into the fold. This push is critical to expanding the adoption of organic farming across the state.
In addition, the government has upgraded infrastructure at 10 mandis (agriculture markets), aiming to ease the challenges that farmers face in marketing their organic produce. By improving these markets, the government ensures that farmers can access better prices and avoid exploitation.
Connecting Agriculture with Employment
The Rajiv Gandhi Startup Yojana, which allocates a budget of Rs. 680 crore for Phase 3, plays a pivotal role in linking agriculture with employment opportunities. This initiative is designed to strengthen the rural economy by supporting new agricultural businesses and start-ups that focus on sustainable farming and rural development.
Rural Development and Economic Empowerment
Chief Minister Sukhu highlighted the importance of agriculture and horticulture in the state’s economy, especially since 90 percent of Himachal Pradesh’s population resides in rural areas. Strengthening the rural economy is a key priority, and the government has introduced a number of supportive measures. These include direct financial aid to farmers, as well as a significant increase in wages under the MNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) scheme, which now offers a wage of Rs. 300 per day.
The state government is also focusing on dairy farming by purchasing cow milk at Rs. 45 per litre and buffalo milk at Rs. 55 per litre, ensuring that farmers involved in dairy production receive fair compensation for their products.
A Step Toward Sustainable Development
The launch of ‘Himbhog’ represents a milestone in Himachal Pradesh’s efforts to promote organic farming and sustainability. The brand will not only highlight the benefits of natural farming but also set a model for other states to follow. By providing farmers with fair prices for their organic produce and investing in infrastructure to support sustainable agricultural practices, Himachal Pradesh is leading the way in eco-friendly farming and rural economic growth.
This move is not just about growing crops but about building a sustainable future, where both the environment and farmers thrive together.
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