Himachal’s Green Revolution: How is Una Leading the Way in Natural Farming

Imagine a field where the soil is rich without chemicals, the crops are diverse, and the farmers are confident about their profits. This isn’t a distant dream but a reality taking root in Una, a district in Himachal Pradesh that is fast becoming the poster child for a successful agricultural transformation.

The change is being driven by the state government’s ‘Him Unnati Yojana,’ and the farmers of Una are its most enthusiastic champions. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, this initiative is bridging the gap between traditional wisdom and modern methods, proving that farming can be both eco-friendly and economically rewarding.

Strength in Numbers: The Power of Farmer Clusters

So, how is this happening? The magic lies in a simple idea: teamwork. Instead of farmers working in isolation, they are now forming clusters.

“Under the scheme, we have approved 10 agriculture clusters in Una,” explains Dr. Kulbhushan Dhiman, the Deputy Director of the Agriculture Department. “Each cluster brings together 15 to 20 farmers. This way, they can share resources, knowledge, and support each other in adopting natural farming. The result? Less spending on chemical fertilizers, lower costs, and ultimately, higher profits for everyone involved.”

This collective spirit is backed by solid support. The district has set aside ₹33.5 lakh for the scheme this year, building on the foundation of 100 farmer groups formed last year.

A Farmer’s Story: From Hope to Harvest

The real proof of any scheme is in the farmer’s field. In Panjoa village, Naresh Kumar is a living testament to this. On his land, you’ll find a vibrant mix of ginger, turmeric, seasonal vegetables, and fruit trees—all grown naturally.

“People can taste the difference,” Naresh says with a smile. “The quality of naturally grown produce is superior, and the demand for it is shooting up.” He feels more secure than ever, thanks to the government’s decision to set a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for natural crops. “Knowing that our natural wheat has a guaranteed price of ₹60 per kg and maize at ₹40 per kg gives us immense peace of mind. We finally feel our hard work is valued fairly.”

This move makes Himachal the first state in India to offer an MSP for natural grains, a policy that is directly boosting the confidence and bank balances of its farmers.

The Administration’s Pledge: A Partner in Progress

The district administration sees itself as a key partner in this agricultural revolution. Una’s Deputy Commissioner, Jatin Lal, reaffirmed the commitment to ground-level execution.

“In line with the Chief Minister’s vision, our goal is simple: to ensure every single eligible farmer in Una benefits from the Him Unnati Yojana,” he stated. “We are not just monitoring progress; we are actively facilitating regular training and awareness programs to connect our farmers with the latest techniques. We want them to be self-reliant and become the backbone of a robust rural economy.”

A Model for the Mountains

What started as a government scheme in Una has blossomed into a grassroots movement. The district’s success story is no longer just its own; it has become a beacon of inspiration for the entire state of Himachal Pradesh. By seamlessly blending community-driven collective farming with forward-thinking policies, Una has truly emerged as a shining example of how to cultivate prosperity from the ground up.