Natural Farming: A Strong Foundation for a Self-Reliant and Resilient Rural Economy

Shimla, May 25:
Over the past few years, a growing number of farmers and horticulturists in Himachal Pradesh have been embracing natural farming practices, moving away from chemical-based methods. Currently, 99.3% of the state’s panchayats are engaged in natural farming, with more than 2.23 lakh farmers and orchardists having adopted it either fully or partially.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the state government has taken ambitious and progressive steps to strengthen the rural economy and promote self-reliance among farmers. As a result, there has been a significant shift toward chemical-free agriculture across the state.

The government has prioritized several critical aspects of the agricultural sector—including providing quality seeds, expanding irrigation facilities, ensuring fair prices for produce, offering crop insurance, supporting research and training, and exploring alternative sources of income for farmers. A range of innovative schemes is being rolled out, with a focus on timely and effective implementation at the grassroots level.

In the last two and a half years, the state has made unprecedented and historic decisions in the interest of its farmers. For the first time, minimum support prices (MSP) have been introduced for crops grown using natural methods. Last year, the MSP for naturally grown maize was fixed at ₹30 per kg. Encouraged by the enthusiastic response from the farming community, the government has raised this to ₹40 per kg in the current financial year. So far, approximately 400 metric tonnes of maize have been procured from 1,509 farmers under this initiative. Similarly, wheat is being procured at ₹60 per kg.

Motivated by the positive response, the state has now also introduced an MSP of ₹90 per kg for raw turmeric grown using natural farming methods. This turmeric will be processed and marketed under the brand name Himachal Haldi.

The government aims to gradually bring 9.61 lakh farmers under the fold of natural farming. To support marketing and distribution, infrastructure is being developed in 10 agricultural mandis. Under the Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana, ₹27.60 crore was spent during 2023–24 and 2024–25, with an additional ₹7.28 crore earmarked for the current fiscal year. The scheme is guided by a high-level committee chaired by the Chief Minister, with oversight and implementation managed by a special task force led by the Chief Secretary.

To further encourage adoption, the state is offering various subsidies. These include a ₹750 subsidy per drum (up to three drums) for input preparation, ₹8,000 for cowshed flooring and urine pits, and a 50% subsidy (up to ₹25,000) for the purchase of indigenous cows. An additional ₹5,000 is provided for cattle transport.

A key benefit of natural farming is its zero-cost model, which significantly increases farmers’ income while improving their overall quality of life. Chemical-free produce is more nutritious, and soil fertility is preserved due to the absence of synthetic inputs.

The state government’s focused efforts to promote natural farming are a commendable stride toward strengthening Himachal’s rural and agricultural economy—building a model that is sustainable, self-reliant, and health-conscious.