Farmer fair in Shillai to promote natural farming, govt schemes, says Chauhan

A farmer fair was organised Tuesday in Shillai under the chairmanship of Industries, Parliamentary Affairs and Labour & Employment Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan. The event aimed to strengthen coordination between the government and farmers and promote awareness about natural farming and various state-run agricultural welfare schemes.

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Addressing a large public gathering during the fair, Chauhan emphasised that such events are crucial for informing farmers about the numerous schemes being implemented by the Himachal Pradesh Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. He said the fairs are not only informative but also intended to motivate farmers to adopt eco-friendly and sustainable farming practices.

Highlighting the importance of agriculture and horticulture in the state’s economy, the minister stated that a large portion of the population in Himachal Pradesh depends on these sectors. “To empower farmers financially, the state government has launched several pro-farmer and welfare schemes. Farmers across the state are already benefiting from these initiatives and strengthening their income sources,” he said.

Chauhan further said Himachal Pradesh has become the first state in the country to offer minimum support price (MSP) for natural farm produce. This policy ensures fair pricing for organic products and supports farmers transitioning to chemical-free agriculture.

He said, “Under this initiative, MSPs of Rs 60 per kg for naturally grown wheat, Rs 40 per kg for maize and Rs 90 per kg for turmeric have been fixed. Additionally, cow milk is being procured at Rs 51 per litre and buffalo milk at Rs 61 per litre. This step has significantly improved the financial condition of livestock rearers.”

During the event, officials from the Agriculture Department provided demonstrations and detailed guidance to farmers on natural farming practices. They explained that natural farming eliminates dependence on external market inputs, as all essential nutrients and organic substances required for farming can be prepared at home using traditional methods. These practices not only reduce production costs but also play a significant role in protecting soil health, water sources and biodiversity.

Officials added that natural farming enhances the resilience of crops against climatic challenges such as drought and excessive rainfall. It also encourages the use of indigenous seeds, further strengthening local agricultural systems.