Himachal’s natural farming push brings tangible gains for farmers

Himachal Pradesh is witnessing a positive shift in agricultural practices with the growing adoption of natural farming. As part of a focused effort to promote chemical-free cultivation, the state has rolled out a support mechanism for farmers practicing natural farming, including assured procurement and attractive Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) for their produce.

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To encourage sustainable farming, the government has fixed MSPs at Rs 60 per kg for wheat, Rs 40 for maize, and Rs 90 for turmeric – among the highest rates for naturally grown produce in the country. This move is seen as a practical step toward enhancing farmers’ incomes while promoting eco-friendly agricultural methods.

In Sirmaur district, procurement of naturally cultivated wheat began at designated centres in Nahan and Paonta Sahib from May 15 to May 25. According to Sahib Singh, Project Director of Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Sirmaur, farmers are also being provided an additional Rs 2 per kg as transport assistance. The district has set a target to procure 275 quintals of wheat and 25 quintals of turmeric this season. So far, 178 quintals of wheat from 42 farmers and 20 quintals of turmeric from 8 farmers have been procured.

Ravi Kumar, a farmer from Khadri village in Nahan tehsil, shared that he has been practicing natural farming since 2021. This year, he cultivated wheat on 2 bighas of land, yielding 8 quintals. He retained 3 quintals for family consumption and sold 5 quintals at the local procurement centre for Rs 60 per kg, along with receiving the transport benefit. He also plans to expand turmeric cultivation on a larger scale this season. “Natural farming has reduced our input costs, and with fair prices, it’s becoming a sustainable option,” Ravi said.

Another farmer, Balinder Singh from Sakardi village, has been engaged in natural farming since 2019. He sold 2 quintals of wheat at the Nahan centre and aims to sow maize over 5 to 6 bighas this season. He noted that the fixed procurement prices and purchase assurance are motivating more farmers to switch to chemical-free agriculture.

The ongoing procurement initiative and price support are helping create confidence among farmers opting for natural methods. While challenges like awareness and access to markets remain, such steps are gradually improving the economic viability of natural farming in the state.