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Natural Farming Is Future of Himachal, Says CM Sukhu

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated development projects worth Rs 34.31 crore at Dr Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry. He emphasized that natural farming is the future of the state and the government is actively promoting it. Over 2 lakh farmers have been registered for natural farming, with nearly 1.98 lakh already certified. The CM also highlighted the state's highest MSP for naturally grown crops to support farmers.

Key Points: Natural Farming Future: Himachal CM Sukhu Inaugurates Projects

  • Natural farming is future of Himachal
  • CM inaugurated projects worth Rs 34.31 crore
  • Over 2 lakh farmers registered for natural farming
  • State provides highest MSP for naturally grown crops
2 min read

Natural farming is future, says Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu

Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu says natural farming is the future, inaugurates Rs 34.31 crore projects at Dr Y.S. Parmar University, Nauni.

"Natural farming is the future of Himachal Pradesh - CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu"

Shimla, April 26

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Sunday virtually inaugurated and laid foundation stones of development projects worth Rs 34.31 crore of Dr Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry in Nauni in Solan district, saying natural farming is the future.

He inaugurated a hostel with a capacity of 107 students at the College of Horticulture and Forestry in Neri in Hamirpur, which was constructed at a cost of Rs 3.63 crore. Additionally, he inaugurated the administrative building of the Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Tabo in the Lahaul-Spiti district, built at a cost of Rs 1.48 crore.

The Chief Minister also laid the foundation stones for working women's hostels with a capacity of 50 each at the College of Horticulture and Forestry in Neri and at the College of Horticulture and Forestry in Khaggal, to be built at a cost of Rs 8.57 crore and Rs 8.68 crore, respectively, in Hamirpur district. Furthermore, he laid the foundation stone for a working women's hostel with a capacity of 100 at the main campus of Dr Y.S. Parmar University, to be constructed at a cost of Rs 11.95 crore. On the occasion, the Chief Minister said natural farming is the future of Himachal Pradesh, and the government is actively promoting it.

He emphasised that the university has a vital role in encouraging farmers to adopt natural farming practices. He said, despite the discontinuation of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) by the Central government, the state is making sustained efforts to strengthen education, healthcare and the rural economy, ensuring adequate funding for these sectors.

He said more than 2 lakh farmers associated with natural farming have been registered, out of which around 1.98 lakh have already been issued certificates.

CM Sukhu said agriculture remains the backbone of the state's economy, with nearly 90 per cent of the population residing in rural areas and about 53.95 per cent directly dependent on agriculture for their livelihood. Keeping this in view, the government is committed to implementing progressive policies and farmer-friendly initiatives to strengthen the rural economy.

The Chief Minister asserted that the state has been providing the highest minimum support price (MSP) in the country for naturally grown crops to ensure fair returns to farmers.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's good that they're building working women's hostels too. Women in agriculture often get ignored in policy discussions. But I hope the university actually trains farmers properly on natural farming techniques. Just issuing certificates isn't enough - they need hands-on support for at least a couple of seasons.
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James A
Interesting to see this push in Himachal. I've seen similar movements in California and Europe. Natural farming definitely reduces input costs for small farmers. The challenge will be scaling up while maintaining quality. Hope the university focuses on research-backed methods rather than just traditional practices.
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Vikram M
All this sounds good on paper, but where's the money coming from? The CM himself said RDG from Centre has been discontinued. Building hostels worth Rs 34 crore is fine, but natural farming needs sustained investment in training, certification, and market linkages. Hope this isn't just pre-election eye-wash.
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Sarah B
This is a smart move for tourism too! Imagine Himachal becoming known as India's organic farming hub 🍎 Tourists would love farm stays with natural produce. But the real test is whether small farmers see actual income increase. Hope the MSP for natural crops is significantly higher than for conventional ones.
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Aman W
90% population rural and 54% dependent on agriculture - that's the real story. Natural farming could actually stop migration from hills if done right. But farmers need assurance of steady income during the transition period (2-3 years). Just hope the government has a proper support system in place, not just rhetoric.

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