Himachal Pradesh News
Himachal Pradesh Targets 1 Lakh New Natural Farmers in 2026, MSP Increased for Organic Produce
In a major push towards sustainable agriculture, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has announced an ambitious target to bring one lakh more farmers under natural farming in 2026, reinforcing the state’s commitment to eco-friendly and cost-effective agriculture.
In a major push towards sustainable agriculture, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has announced an ambitious target to bring one lakh more farmers under natural farming in 2026, reinforcing the state’s commitment to eco-friendly and cost-effective agriculture.
Speaking on Tuesday, the Chief Minister highlighted that natural farming is not just an environmental choice but also a profitable alternative for farmers, helping them reduce input costs while increasing income.
Currently, over 2.22 lakh farmers and horticulture families in Himachal Pradesh have already adopted natural farming practices. These efforts cover more than 38,437 hectares of land, reaching nearly 99.3% of the state’s panchayats—a significant milestone in grassroots agricultural transformation.
Under the Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana, farmers are encouraged to move away from chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Instead, they use indigenous resources like cow dung, cow urine, and plant-based inputs, promoting soil health and environmental sustainability.
The government has also strengthened financial incentives. Himachal Pradesh is now offering some of the highest Minimum Support Prices (MSP) in the country for naturally grown crops. The MSP for natural wheat has been increased from ₹60 to ₹80 per kg, maize from ₹40 to ₹50, barley in the Pangi Valley from ₹60 to ₹80, and turmeric from ₹90 to ₹150 per kg.
To ensure better market access and branding, naturally grown maize and wheat flour are being sold under the ‘Him’ brand, helping farmers secure premium returns.
In another landmark move, the remote Pangi Valley has been declared the state’s first fully natural farming subdivision, setting a model for other regions to follow.
Additionally, ginger has been brought under MSP for the first time at ₹30 per kg. The state has also increased procurement prices for milk, with cow milk now at 61 per litre and buffalo milk at 71 per litre, further supporting rural livelihoods.
With these initiatives, Himachal Pradesh is positioning itself as a leader in natural farming in India, combining sustainability with farmer welfare—an approach that could inspire other states to follow.
