Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the Himachal Pradesh State Government has initiated a significant drive to promote natural farming, starting with the procurement of naturally grown barley in Pangi Sub Division, Chamba district. This initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to fostering chemical-free agriculture and supporting rural economies.
Barley Procurement in Pangi
A spokesperson for the State Government announced that the Agriculture Department has successfully procured 140 quintals of naturally grown barley at Rs. 60 per kilogram from 59 farmers in Pangi Sub Division during the current Kharif season. The procurement details include:
- Hudaan Gram Panchayat: 20 quintals from 11 farmers
- Suraal Gram Panchayat: 78 quintals from 24 farmers
- Killar Gram Panchayat: 9 quintals from 7 farmers
- Saach Gram Panchayat: 10 quintals from 7 farmers
- Sechu Gram Panchayat: 23 quintals from 10 farmers
Promoting Natural Farming
The State Government is actively promoting natural farming to provide chemical-free products to consumers while offering a support price for naturally grown crops. This initiative is encouraging farmers to adopt sustainable practices, strengthening their economic stability. With 90 percent of Himachal Pradesh’s population residing in rural areas, these policies aim to uplift the rural economy and enhance living standards.
Pangi: The First Natural Farming Sub Division
During the Himachal Day function in Pangi, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu declared Pangi as the first natural farming Sub Division in the state. This announcement has motivated farmers to embrace natural farming techniques, with many coming forward to cultivate organic crops.
Maize and Turmeric Procurement Targets
The Agriculture Department has set ambitious targets for the current Kharif season, planning to procure:
- 2371.71 quintals of maize from 1473 farmers through 28 collection centres across the state.
- 2422.65 quintals of raw turmeric from 1629 farmers via 12 collection centres.
Support Prices for Farmers
To ensure remunerative returns, the government has fixed support prices for naturally grown crops:
- Wheat and Barley: Rs. 60 per kilogram
- Maize: Rs. 40 per kilogram
- Raw Turmeric: Rs. 90 per kilogram
These prices aim to provide farmers with fair compensation, thereby boosting their economic prospects.
Impact and Future Prospects
The government’s efforts are yielding positive results, encouraging more farmers to adopt natural farming. This initiative not only ensures sustainable livelihoods but also improves the quality of life for rural communities. By prioritizing chemical-free agriculture and fair pricing, the State Government is paving the way for a stronger, more resilient rural economy in Himachal Pradesh.
Meta Description: The Himachal Pradesh Agriculture Department has procured 140 quintals of naturally grown barley from Pangi, Chamba, and set targets for maize and turmeric procurement to promote natural farming and strengthen rural economies.