Agri Dept procures 140 quintal naturally-grown barley from Pangi

The state government has started the procurement of naturally-grown barley in the Pangi sub-division of Chamba district. “The government has procured 140 quintals of naturally-grown barley at Rs 60 per kg from 59 farmers in the Pangi sub-division so far. Twenty quintals of barley has been purchased from 11 farmers of Hudaan gram panchayat, 78 quintals from 24 farmers of Suraal gram panchayat, nine quintals from seven farmers of Killar gram panchayat, 10 quintals from seven farmers of Saach gram panchayat and 23 quintals from 10 farmers of Sechu gram panchayat,” said a government spokesperson.

He said the government was promoting natural farming in the state to ensure chemical-free products for the people and provide support price to the crops grown naturally. “The initiative is motivating farmers to adopt natural farming to strengthen their economy,” he said, adding that 90 per cent population of the state lives in the rural areas. The government was making policies to strengthen the economy of the rural folk, he said.

He informed that during the Himachal Day function at Pangi in Chamba, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu had announced Pangi as the first natural-farming sub-division of the state to promote natural farming in the region.

“The government is likely to procure 2,371.71 quintals of maize from 1,473 farmers during the current Kharif season, for which 28 collection centres will be established across the state. The Agriculture Department is also gearing up to procure 2,422.65 quintals of naturally-grown raw turmeric from 1,629 farmers through 12 collection centres,” he said.

He further said the government was providing a support price of Rs 60 per kg each on wheat and barley, Rs 40 per kg on maize and Rs 90 per kg on raw turmeric grown naturally. “This move is ensuring remunerative prices to farmers, and encouraging them to adopt natural farming. The initiative is not only ensuring livelihood for the local people, but also improving their living standards,” he said.