Govt aims to encourage 1 lakh farmers to take up natural farming, says Speaker

Himachal Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania today said that the state government was taking proactive steps to boost the economic welfare of farmers, horticulturists and livestock rearers.

Pathania, while speaking at the Millets Food Festival and Kisan Mela held at Chowari in Chamba, outlined several ongoing and upcoming initiatives aimed at rural development.

He said that the state government planned to connect one lakh new farmers with natural farming practices in the current financial year, promoting sustainable agriculture across the region. “The government is dedicated to increasing farmer participation and income through innovative and environment-friendly methods,” he added.

Besides, he said that a detailed study of the two distinct agro-climatic zones in the region had been completed. This research would help guide future agricultural planning and initiatives in the Bhattiyat region, he added.

The Speaker said that a research centre was proposed to be set up in the Bhattiyat constituency to facilitate the dissemination of modern agricultural and horticultural technologies. The research centre would help guide future agricultural planning and initiatives in the Bhattiyat region, he added.

He highlighted the region’s rich tradition of organic farming and assured farmers of support in the cultivation of local crops such as red rice and maize. He assured them that the government was commitment to providing various facilities and schemes to enhance productivity and market access.

Pathania said that Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu would soon visit Bhattiyat to inaugurate several projects, further strengthening local development initiatives.

Later, Pathania honoured outstanding farmers and beneficiaries of various government schemes with appreciation certificates and mementos.