Natural farming gains momentum in state

A two-day divisional-level workshop on natural farming concluded successfully on Saturday in Mandi, organised by the Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA) under the Department of Agriculture, Himachal Pradesh. The event saw participation from hundreds of progressive farmers representing the districts of Mandi, Kullu, Bilaspur and Lahaul-Spiti. It was the second such divisional-level workshop in the state, following a similar event held earlier in Kangra.

Presiding as chief guest, the state project director, Hemis Negi, urged farmers to adopt natural farming practices, stressing the rising demand for chemical-free products was opening new income opportunities. He said the workshop had been organised under government directives to strengthen institutional support for expanding natural farming across the state.

Negi noted the state had become the first state in the country to announce a minimum support price (MSP) for natural farming products, including wheat, maize, barley and turmeric. The MSP initiative aims to encourage more farmers to transition towards natural farming. He added efforts were also being made to promote the marketing and sale of Himachali natural products outside the state.

To strengthen the marketing network, seven farmer producer companies (FPCs) have been established in the state to help develop linkages and facilitate sales. Negi said work was underway to enable the online sale of natural products through E-commerce platforms. A proposal would soon be sent to the government to set up a dedicated Marketing Cell within the state project implementation unit (SPIU) to help farmers access markets directly and secure better prices for their produce.

The second day of the workshop featured a series of expert-led sessions covering technical, biological and marketing aspects of natural farming. Dr Mandeep Kumar, deputy director of animal husbandry, highlighted the role of indigenous cows, describing them as the “soul of the natural farming system” for their contribution to preparing bio-fertilisers and organic inputs.

A scientist at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Dr Neha Chauhan, presented modern techniques for soil health management. Chander Shekhar, representative of the crop insurance scheme, informed farmers about insurance procedures and benefits. Bhupender Thakur, secretary of APMC Mandi, discussed marketing opportunities for natural products and benefits available under the ‘Him Bhog’ brand, designed to ensure fair prices for farmers. Dr Mohinder Bhawani, deputy director of SPIU, outlined state and central government schemes promoting natural farming and their effective implementation at the grassroots level.

Progressive farmers from Kullu, Mandi and Lahaul-Spiti shared their real-life experiences, explaining how adopting natural farming practices had improved soil fertility, reduced input costs and enhanced produce quality. Many said natural farming had made them more self-reliant while promoting environmentally sustainable agriculture.

The workshop was attended by Dr Atul Dogra (executive director), Padma Shri Nek Ram Sharma, Dr Mohinder Bhawani (deputy director, SPIU), Dr Mandeep Kumar (deputy director, animal husbandry department), Bhupender Thakur (secretary, APMC Mandi), Hem Raj (consultant, natural farming) and Ramchander Chaudhary (deputy director, agriculture, Mandi), among other officials and experts.

The successful conclusion of the two-day event marked another milestone in Himachal Pradesh’s journey towards sustainable agriculture, reaffirming its leadership in promoting eco-friendly and farmer-centric farming practices in India.