Himachal Pradesh state budget will focus on natural farming: Chief Minister

In a significant move aimed at enhancing farmers’ income and fostering sustainable agriculture, the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has declared that the forthcoming budget of the state will incorporate new provisions for natural farming, ensuring state-backed procurement. The Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister made this announcement during a college convocation ceremony in Solan district, highlighting the state’s commitment to prioritizing eco-friendly agricultural practices, given its distinctive geographical conditions.

Aligning with the emphasis on natural farming, Dr. Rajeshwar Chandel, the Vice Chancellor of Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Himachal Pradesh, revealed plans to introduce undergraduate and postgraduate courses in natural farming starting from the next academic session.

Furthermore, a skill development hostel, constructed at a cost of Rs 1.16 crore, and a Vivekananda Yoga & Meditation Center, built at a cost of Rs 40 lakh, were inaugurated by the Himachal Pradesh Governor and the Chief Minister. These initiatives reflect the government’s dedication to natural farming, women’s empowerment, and academic excellence, setting a positive precedent for the state’s future growth and development.

Himachal Pradesh has been actively practicing natural farming under the Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kissan (PK3) Yojana, aimed at promoting the cultivation of food grains, vegetables, and fruits without the use of synthetic chemicals, pesticides, and fertilizers.

Notably, in the current fiscal years from 2019-20 to 2021-22, the Himachal Pradesh state witnessed an expansion of 11,107 hectares in the area dedicated to organic farming. The area under natural farming is also increasing. Similarly, farmers in the neighboring state of Punjab also demonstrated a preference for organic farming, increasing the cultivated area by 543 hectares.