Govt plans MSP for raw turmeric at Rs 90/kg

The Himachal Pradesh Government is planning to introduce a minimum support price (MSP) for raw turmeric, said Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Minister Chander Kumar as he addressed a workshop on Kharif crops at the Palampur Agriculture University on Friday.

Highlighting the medicinal properties of turmeric, the minister directed agriculture officers to explore greater possibilities for its cultivation and utilisation across the state. He said the government would soon begin procuring raw turmeric at a rate of Rs 90 per kg, offering farmers a new avenue for income generation.

Chander Kumar described farming as the “biggest business” in Himachal Pradesh and noted a majority of people in the state earn their livelihoods through agriculture. He urged farmers to adopt crop diversification and shift towards high-value cash crops to strengthen their economic standing.

Calling on scientists and agriculture officers to assist farmers in boosting Kharif crop production, the minister stressed the importance of weather-friendly agricultural practices. These, he said, could help improve the yield of food grains, oilseeds, pulses and vegetables. He also urged agricultural scientists to conduct remote sensing, soil nutrient mapping and in-depth research tailored to the state’s hilly terrain.

Earlier, the minister addressed a special session focused on promoting turmeric cultivation and use. The session, held at Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, was organised specifically for the state’s agriculture officers.

He said agricultural universities have an important role in making farmers self-reliant and strengthening the economy. He added agricultural universities are centres of research and investigation which play their role in solving the problems of farmers and fulfilling their basic needs.

Also present at the workshop were the university’s Vice-Chancellor Naveen Kumar and Director of the Agriculture Department, Kumad Singh. Director Singh welcomed the minister on his arrival and briefed him on the various public welfare schemes being implemented to support and uplift farmers in the state.