Agriculture Minister Prof. Chander Kumar Highlights Government’s Efforts in Promoting Natural Farming and Agricultural Development
Government’s Commitment to Fulfilling Guarantees and Strengthening Agriculture
In a press conference held on Sunday at Hotel Kunal, Agriculture Minister Prof. Chander Kumar assured that the state government is systematically fulfilling all the guarantees made to the people of Himachal Pradesh. He emphasized the critical role agriculture and horticulture play in the state’s economy and affirmed that the government is giving these sectors the attention they deserve for sustainable development. Prof. Kumar outlined the government’s efforts to promote natural farming as part of its commitment to improving agricultural practices and boosting rural livelihoods.
Himachal Pradesh Leads the Way in Supporting Farmers with Minimum Support Prices
Prof. Kumar highlighted that Himachal Pradesh is the first state in India to offer the highest minimum support prices (MSP) for wheat and maize. Under this initiative, the state has already begun purchasing wheat at Rs. 40 per kilogram and maize at Rs. 30 per kilogram from farmers practicing natural farming. This move is aimed at encouraging farmers to adopt eco-friendly farming techniques and ensuring they receive fair compensation for their produce.
Launch of ‘Himbhog’ Maize Flour Brand to Promote Natural Farming Products
The government is set to further support natural farming by launching a maize flour brand called ‘Himbhog,’ which will be marketed to promote maize produced through organic methods. The brand will help in creating a direct market for natural farming products, and Prof. Kumar expressed confidence that this initiative would help boost local economies while encouraging more farmers to embrace natural farming practices.
Significant Progress in Natural Farming Across the State
Prof. Kumar shared that over 4000 quintals of maize have already been purchased from 1506 farmer families engaged in natural farming. A total of 35,000 hectares of land in Himachal Pradesh are currently being used for natural farming, benefiting 1.98 lakh farmers. The government has made strides in certifying farmers, with more than 1.5 lakh farmers having received free certification, and an additional 36,000 farmers expected to be linked with natural farming this year.
Infrastructure Development to Support Natural Farming
The state government is investing in infrastructure development to aid natural farming, including the creation of facilities in 10 mandis (markets) specifically for selling natural farming products. Prof. Kumar assured that these initiatives would provide farmers with the necessary tools and support to sell their produce without difficulty, thereby fostering a thriving agricultural economy.
Linking Agriculture with Employment: Rajiv Gandhi Startup Yojana
As part of its ongoing efforts to bolster the agricultural sector, the state government is integrating agriculture with employment opportunities through the third phase of the Rajiv Gandhi Startup Yojana, which has a budget of Rs. 680 crore. This initiative aims to create new jobs and stimulate economic growth in rural areas.
Support for Dairy Farmers and Other Welfare Schemes
Prof. Kumar also emphasized the government’s support for dairy farmers, noting that cow milk is being purchased at Rs. 45 per liter and buffalo milk at Rs. 55 per liter. This initiative is designed to ensure that dairy farmers, who play a crucial role in the state’s rural economy, are fairly compensated for their products.
Furthermore, the government has launched the ‘Mukhyamantri Sukh Shiksha Yojana,’ aimed at providing financial assistance for the education and welfare of children of widows, destitute, abandoned, and disabled women. A budget of Rs. 53.21 crore has been allocated for this initiative, reflecting the government’s commitment to social welfare.
Addressing Natural Disaster Relief and Central Government Neglect
Prof. Kumar took the opportunity to address the state’s ongoing struggle with disaster relief, noting that the state government had provided a relief package of Rs. 4500 crore to assist those affected by recent disasters. However, he criticized the central government for withholding the promised Rs. 9000 crore in disaster relief, accusing the BJP of playing partisan politics during the crisis and working to destabilize the Congress government. Despite these challenges, he expressed confidence that the people of Himachal Pradesh have successfully thwarted such efforts and will continue to support the state’s progress.
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