Organic farming gaining ground in Kangra; farmers report higher yields, better returns

Organic farming is steadily expanding in Kangra district, as farmers are turning away from chemical-based agriculture and taking up sustainable and eco-friendly practices. The district has emerged as a leading region in the state for organic and natural farming under government-supported programmes.

Suresh Kumar, a farmer of Trimblu village near Dharamsala, says that organic farming has improved his earnings as well as soil health. “I receive a minimum support price of Rs 60 per kilogram for wheat and Rs 40 per kilogram for maize. The state government also provides Rs 2 per kilogram as transportation assistance for taking the produce to the sale centre,” he adds.

Kamala Devi, a farmer of Mat village, had switched to organic farming in 2021 after receiving training under the ATMA project. She says that she uses "Jeevamrit" and "Ghan Jeevamrit" for her crops. “These organic inputs have enhanced soil fertility and the quality of the produce,” she adds.

Similarly, Meenakshi and Alka, farmers of Bhadwal village, say that they began growing maize and black gram alongside paddy after training under the ATMA project. “We have completely stopped using chemical fertilisers and have seen better yields,” they add.

According to the Agriculture Department, organic farming is becoming popular in Kangra due to technical support, incentives and marketing facilities provided under the Prakritik Kheti Khushal Kisan Yojana. The aim of the scheme is to promote chemical-free agriculture and improve farmers’ income while ensuring the protection of soil and water resources.

Kangra Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa says that organic farming is “the need of the hour” and Kangra can soon become a model district for sustainable agriculture. “The state government has fixed the minimum support prices for various crops to ensure fair returns to farmers. The farmers are also being encouraged to link livestock rearing with the cultivation of crops like turmeric and maize," he adds.

He says that this initiative is helping farmers get access to premium markets for their produce. “Organic farming ensures higher income for farmers, protects soil fertility and provides consumers with pure and healthy food,” he adds. Himachal Pradesh’s clean environment gives its organic produce a competitive advantage in both domestic and international markets.