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Himachal Pradesh Sets Sights on Leading Natural Farming Revolution, CM Sukhu Announces Bold Targets
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], January 10 (Diary Times): Himachal Pradesh is gearing up to become a frontrunner in natural farming, with plans for all Agriculture Department farms to fully adopt this eco-conscious approach by next year. The state is targeting the inclusion of one lakh farming families in the natural farming movement within the coming year, marking a major step towards establishing Himachal as a pioneer in sustainable agricultural practices.
During a review meeting of the Agriculture Department, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu outlined a clear vision for advancing natural farming in the state. He instructed officials to prioritize department farms for producing seeds specifically for natural farming practices and emphasized the need to identify and map farmers across Himachal Pradesh who are cultivating wheat and maize using these eco-friendly methods.
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The Chief Minister further highlighted the importance of developing advanced storage solutions for natural farming produce and proposed the establishment of a solar power plant in Tal, Hamirpur, to support sustainable agriculture. Emphasizing the need for effective natural disease management techniques, he directed the Agriculture Department to create a certification system for seeds and set up a state-of-the-art laboratory dedicated to soil and seed testing.
To bolster the rural economy, Chief Minister Sukhu revealed plans to establish processing plants for turmeric and ginger, aimed at adding value to local produce. Furthermore, the government is considering the introduction of dairy-based degree courses at Chaudhary Sarvan Kumar Agricultural University in Palampur to inspire and engage the youth in agriculture and related sectors.
In the 2024-25 Kharif season, the Agriculture Department successfully procured 3,989 quintals of naturally grown maize, with an ambitious target of 8,050 quintals set for the upcoming Rabi season. To enhance the effectiveness of the initiative, data on natural farming practitioners will be gathered at the block level and seamlessly integrated with the Him Parivar database, ensuring a more coordinated approach to support this transition.
