Himachal Pradesh is poised to revolutionise its agricultural landscape with the launch of its first organic maize flour brand, ‘Himbhog’. This initiative, championed by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, underscores the state government’s commitment to promoting natural farming and bolstering the livelihoods of farmers across the region.
The introduction of ‘Himbhog’ marks a significant milestone in the state’s journey towards sustainable agriculture. Over 4,000 quintals of maize, cultivated through natural farming practices, have been procured from 1,506 farmer families. The Solan district contributed the highest quantity of maize at 1,140 quintals, followed by Chamba with 810 quintals, and Mandi with 650 quintals. However, the districts of Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur did not participate in this procurement effort.
Pioneering fair pricing for natural farming
Himachal Pradesh has emerged as a trailblazer by offering the highest Minimum Support Price (MSP) sin India for crops grown using natural farming methods. Farmers in the state receive Rs. 40 per kilogram for wheat and Rs. 30 per kilogram for maize cultivated organically. With natural farming now practiced across 35,000 hectares, nearly 1.98 lakh farmers are reaping the benefits of these eco-friendly techniques.
To further ease the transition, the government has provided free natural farming certification to over 1.5 lakh farmers, with an additional 36,000 farmers in the process of being integrated into this sustainable system.
Enhanced infrastructure and farmer support
The state government has invested in upgrading infrastructure across 10 agricultural mandis, ensuring a streamlined process for selling natural farming produce. These enhancements aim to address marketing challenges, guaranteeing farmers fair prices for their organic crops.
The Rajiv Gandhi Startup Yojana, now in its third phase with a budget of Rs. 680 crore, is being leveraged to create employment opportunities within the agricultural sector. This synergy between farming and employment is expected to strengthen rural economies and create sustainable livelihoods.
Agriculture and horticulture form the backbone of Himachal Pradesh’s economy, with around 90 percent of the population residing in villages. To support the rural populace, the government has introduced direct financial support schemes, including an increase in the daily MNREGA wage to Rs. 300. Furthermore, cow milk is being procured at Rs. 45 per litre, and buffalo milk at Rs. 55 per litre, making farming a more lucrative and sustainable occupation.
The launch of ‘Himbhog’ represents more than just the introduction of a new product. It symbolises Himachal Pradesh’s dedication to sustainable development, eco-friendly farming practices, and rural empowerment. By bridging the gap between organic farming and fair market access, the state is setting a precedent for other regions in India to follow.
As Himachal Pradesh continues to invest in sustainable agricultural practices, it paves the way for a future where organic farming is not only environmentally responsible but also economically viable for farmers. The success of ‘Himbhog’ could serve as an inspiration for the entire nation, promoting the adoption of natural farming methods and strengthening the foundation of India’s agricultural economy.
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