Naturally-grown barely procurement from today

The state government will begin the procurement of naturally-grown barley in Pangi from October 8. The state government has fixed a minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 60 per kilogram for this barley. This is the first time that such a government-supported procurement drive is taking place in this remote region.

According to a government spokesperson, the Agriculture Department has completed all preparations for the procurement drive. Five procurement centres have been set up in the Pangi valley at Hudan, Sechu, Sural, Killar and Sach. So far, 80 farmers of the Pangi region have registered with the department under this initiative.

The government has already procured 2,123.587 quintals of naturally-grown wheat from 838 farmers through 22 procurement centres . The procured wheat is being processed into flour and porridge and will be marketed under the ‘Him-Bhog’ brand. Farmers have been paid Rs 1.27 crore for their produce, along with an additional Rs 4.15 lakh as transport subsidy.

The spokesperson said that the government was committed to encouraging naturally-grown produce by offering MSPs for different crops (Rs 60 per kg for wheat, Rs 40 for maize, Rs 90 for raw turmeric and Rs 60 for barley). This initiative not only ensures chemical-free food products for consumers but also guarantees better prices for farmers cultivating through natural methods.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said his government was committed to strengthening the rural economy and putting money directly into the hands of villagers. “The government has launched two new initiatives — the Milk Incentive Scheme and the Transport Subsidy Scheme in the Arki Assembly constituency,” he added.