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Government to Study Crop Compensation Models in Other States: CM Sukhu
Himachal Pradesh aims to become a leader in natural farming by 2027
Shimla, Updated At : 09:41 AM Aug 26, 2025 IST
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today said that the state government will examine compensation systems followed in other states for crop and plant damage caused by wild animals. Responding to a question raised during Question Hour by Lahaul-Spiti MLA Anuradha Rana, the Chief Minister noted that, at present, compensation is only provided in cases of human injury or loss of life. He added that subsidies for sound and light deterrent systems are also being offered to help farmers protect their fields from wild animals.
Replying to a query from Pachhad MLA Reena Kashyap, the Chief Minister said that he had requested Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, to include the Chhailla–Neripul–Sanaura road under the Central Road Fund (CRF). He further informed the House that the Superintendent of Police, Sirmaur, along with other officials, had been directed to strictly monitor the movement of heavy-load vehicles on this route.
In response to a question by Jaswan-Pragpur MLA Bikram Thakur, the Chief Minister informed that 35,240 saplings had been planted in the state over the past two years under the Van Mahotsav. A total of ₹17.87 lakh was spent on the programme, including ₹14.92 lakh on saplings alone. He added that the survival rate of these plants ranged between 60% and 100%, and their growth was being regularly monitored by field staff.
Replying to a question from Nahan MLA Ajay Solanki, PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh said that all pending cases under the Forest Conservation Act (FCA) and Forest Rights Act (FRA) in various assembly constituencies would be resolved at the earliest to remove bottlenecks in development projects.
Highlighting the government’s focus on sustainable agriculture, the Chief Minister said Himachal Pradesh is committed to becoming a leading state in natural farming by 2027. Responding to a discussion initiated by Jhanduta MLA J.R. Katwal, he said the government would not hesitate to divert MLA development funds, if required, to strengthen natural farming initiatives.
Sukhu also announced that the ongoing natural farming programme will now be known as the Rajiv Gandhi Prakritik Kheti Yojna. He added that the government will soon launch a scheme to install mesh fencing in fields to safeguard crops from animals.
“The steps taken by the government to strengthen the rural economy are already showing results, with more money now reaching farmers’ hands,” Sukhu said. Earlier, Agriculture Minister Chander Kumar informed the House that natural farming is currently being practiced on 38,437 hectares in the state. He added that the government is also working to connect natural farming with larger markets to ensure fair prices for farmers’ produce.
Several MLAs, including Bhawani Singh Pathania, Dr. Hans Raj, Vivek Sharma, Inder Dutt Lakhanpal, Kishori Lal, Vinod Sultanpuri, Keval Singh Pathania, and Dalip Thakur also participated in the discussion raised by Katwal.
