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Key Points

Himachal Pradesh is making significant strides in agricultural development with a new potato processing plant in Una district. Chief Minister Sukhwinder Sukhu is championing natural farming and green energy initiatives to strengthen the state's rural economy. The government plans to support farmers through minimum support prices and innovative agricultural strategies. These efforts aim to address challenges like changing weather patterns and improve nutritional food production.

Key Points: Himachal CM Sukhu Unveils Una Potato Plant Investment Plan

  • Rs 20 crore potato processing plant to boost agricultural economy
  • State promotes natural farming and green energy
  • 80% of population depends on agriculture for livelihood
2 min read

Himachal to set up potato processing plant in Una

Himachal Pradesh launches Rs 20 crore potato processing plant in Una, focusing on natural farming and agricultural innovation

"We need to reuse traditional crops and improve them through research - Sukhwinder Sukhu, Himachal Pradesh CM"

Shimla, June 12

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Sukhu on Thursday said a potato processing plant would be set up in Una district at a cost of about Rs 20 crore.

He said the support price for the crop would soon be declared to strengthen the economy of the farmers.

Chairing the state-level multi-stakeholder consultative conference organised by Himachal Pradesh Revitalising Rainfed Agriculture Network here, the Chief Minister said the government was promoting green energy and natural farming in a big way.

The minimum support price had been fixed for crops produced from natural farming, and it would be further increased in the coming times.

Highlighting the importance of natural farming, he said many new schemes would be implemented to boost the rural economy.

Sukhu said that after the north-eastern states, the highest increase in cancer cases had been witnessed in Himachal Pradesh. The efforts were on to find out its root cause, and a change in food habits could also be a main reason for the rise.

The Chief Minister said 80 per cent of the state's population depends on agriculture for livelihood and is the backbone of Himachal's economy, contributing about 14 per cent to the state's GDP. He also expressed concern over the changing pattern of weather that was adversely impacting agriculture.

"This challenge could be faced effectively by taking steps like climate-tolerant agriculture, promotion of pulses, extensive animal husbandry, more use of traditional seeds, laying emphasis on water security and soil conservation, etc.," he said.

The Chief Minister said traditional seeds and crops grown through natural farming are rich in nutrition and also require less water.

"We need to reuse such traditional crops, and these have to be further improved through research to ensure nutritious food and a clean environment for future generations."

The Chief Minister also released a book based on the experiences of natural farming on this occasion. He praised the farmers engaged in natural farming and also detailed the efforts being made by the government in promoting this system of agriculture. Padma Shri recipient Nek Ram Sharma apprised the Chief Minister about the conference. He also discussed the importance of millets along with the conservation of water, forests, and land.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Finally some good news for Himachal farmers! 🎉 Potato processing plant will reduce wastage and help farmers get better prices. But Rs 20 crore seems low budget - hope they don't compromise on quality. Natural farming focus is excellent though - our hills need sustainable agriculture.
P
Priya M.
As someone from Una, we've been waiting for industries like this. But government must ensure fair prices to farmers - middlemen shouldn't benefit more than actual growers. Also concerned about cancer cases mentioned - is pesticide use in conventional farming contributing to this?
A
Arjun S.
Good initiative but implementation is key. Previous governments made similar promises that never materialized. Hope this CM delivers. The focus on traditional seeds and water conservation is much needed - our ancestors knew how to farm sustainably without chemicals.
S
Sunita R.
Natural farming is the future! 👏 But government must provide proper training and support to farmers transitioning from chemical farming. The MSP for natural crops is a good start. Also, will the processing plant handle organic potatoes separately? Quality matters for export potential.
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Vikram J.
While I appreciate the potato plant, why not focus more on millets? They're more nutritious, need less water, and are traditional to Himachal. The cancer statistic is alarming - maybe we need to go back to our traditional diets instead of processed foods.
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Neha T.
As a farmer's daughter, I welcome this move but with caution. MSP announcements often don't match market reality. Also, climate change is real - last year's erratic rains destroyed our crop. Hope the government's 'climate-tolerant agriculture' plans are practical, not just on paper.

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