From Soil to Success: Himachal’s Farmers Thrive with Natural Farming Revolution
In the scenic hills of Himachal Pradesh, a quiet transformation is unfolding — one that’s bringing prosperity to farmers and purity to people’s plates. Across the state, farmers are turning away from chemical-based agriculture and embracing natural farming, a method rooted in tradition, sustainability, and health.
Thanks to the Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana, farmers are now growing crops like maize, wheat, and turmeric using organic techniques and homegrown bio-resources. The results? Lush harvests, lower costs, and higher profits — all without harming the soil or the environment.
🌾 A New Chapter in Farming
Over 2,400 farmers have earned more than ₹2.62 crore by selling their naturally grown produce to the government at premium rates. This isn’t just a financial win — it’s a cultural shift toward clean, chemical-free food and sustainable agriculture.
In the latest season, the government purchased 2,123 quintals of wheat from 838 farmers, transferring ₹1.31 crore directly to their bank accounts. Similarly, 1,509 farmers sold 399 metric tons of maize, earning ₹1.19 crore — a first for Himachal, where natural crops are now valued higher than chemically grown ones.
🌱 Natural Farming Takes Root
What began as a small initiative has blossomed into a statewide movement. Over 3 lakh farmers across 3,584 panchayats have been trained in natural farming, with 2.22 lakh actively cultivating crops on 38,437 hectares of land. To ensure transparency, the government has introduced a self-certification system (CETARA-NF), already certifying nearly 2 lakh farmers.
💰 Fair Prices, Healthy Choices
The government has set Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for natural crops:
- Maize: ₹40/kg
- Wheat: ₹60/kg
- Raw Turmeric: ₹90/kg
- Barley (Pangi region): ₹60/kg
These rates are among the highest in India for natural produce, reflecting Himachal’s commitment to supporting farmers and promoting clean agriculture.
🍽️ Nutritious Food for Every Household
In a groundbreaking move, the government is now supplying natural wheat flour and porridge through ration shops (depots). Over 184 quintals of flour and 343 quintals of porridge have been prepared and distributed, ensuring that nutritious, chemical-free food reaches every home.
This flour isn’t just healthier — it’s helping prevent lifestyle diseases and improving overall well-being. Priced at ₹500 for a 5 kg pack, and ₹115 per kg for porridge, these products are now available to consumers across the state.
