Himachal’s Agricultural Revolution: Empowering Farmers, Promoting Sustainability
In the serene hills of Himachal Pradesh, a quiet yet transformative revolution is reshaping the agricultural landscape. Through innovative policies and a steadfast commitment to sustainable farming, the state government is not only empowering farmers but also setting new benchmarks for rural development in India.
Highest MSP in India for Wheat and Maize
Himachal Pradesh has taken a historic step by becoming the first state in the country to fix the highest Minimum Support Price (MSP) for wheat and maize. Farmers practicing natural farming now sell wheat at ₹40 per kilogram and maize at ₹30 per kilogram. So far, the government has procured 398 metric tonnes of naturally grown maize from 1,508 farmers, transferring ₹1.19 crore directly into their accounts.
The introduction of Him Bhog-Him Makki Atta in the market highlights the state’s efforts to promote natural farming. To ensure financial stability, the government has committed to purchasing up to 20 quintals of maize per family practicing sustainable agriculture.
A Vision for Sustainable Growth
The government’s Rajiv Gandhi Natural Farming Start-up Yojana, part of the ₹680 crore Rajiv Gandhi Start-up Scheme, integrates agriculture with employment generation. This year alone, 36,000 farmers joined natural farming, bringing the total to 1.98 lakh farmers cultivating over 35,000 hectares. Free certification has been provided to 1.5 lakh farmers, making natural farming a commercially viable practice.
Additionally, a ₹1,292 crore scheme for horticulture and irrigation projects is being implemented across seven districts, alongside the development of infrastructure in 10 market yards to facilitate the sale of natural farming products.
Dairy Sector Pioneering Initiatives
In another groundbreaking move, Himachal Pradesh has become the first state to fix MSP for milk. Farmers now receive ₹45 per liter for cow milk and ₹55 per liter for buffalo milk. A state-of-the-art milk processing plant with a capacity of 50,000 liters per day has been inaugurated in Dattanagar, benefiting over 20,000 dairy farmers. Modern plants are also being established in Kangra, Kullu, Nahan, and Nalagarh, while milk chilling plants are planned for Una and Hamirpur.
The ₹500 crore “Him Ganga” scheme aims to boost milk production. Over the past two years, 26,000 below-poverty-line farmers have received a 50% subsidy on feed for pregnant cattle, offering much-needed support to the dairy sector.
Horticulture and Farmer Support
Horticulture, a cornerstone of Himachal’s economy, has also seen significant advancements. The introduction of universal cartons has improved apple marketability, and ₹153 crore has been disbursed to clear payments under the Market Intervention Scheme. The MSP for apples, mangoes, and citrus fruits has been increased to ₹12 per kilogram, further supporting orchardists.
Farmers have also benefited from subsidies, including 70% for fencing, 50% for cereal and fodder seeds, and 25% for potato, ginger, and turmeric seeds. Under the JICA scheme, ₹96.15 crore has been invested in capacity-building programs, benefiting over 50,000 farmers, while ₹19.19 crore has been spent on fencing projects.
Governance at the Grassroots
To address challenges in remote areas, the government has launched the ‘Sarkar Gaon Ke Dwar’ initiative, bringing governance to people’s doorsteps. By resolving local issues and ensuring access to state schemes, the program is fostering trust and accelerating rural development.
A Model for Rural Transformation
Himachal Pradesh’s holistic approach to agriculture, horticulture, and dairy, rooted in sustainability, is revolutionizing rural livelihoods. By supporting natural farming, fixing robust MSPs, and addressing grassroots concerns, the state is paving the way for a self-reliant future and setting an example for rural development across the nation.
