Himachal boosts agro-economy with farmer-centric initiatives for self-reliance

The Himachal Pradesh government is taking significant steps to strengthen the state’s agricultural sector, aiming to make it self-sustaining by rolling out farmer-friendly schemes. These initiatives focus on increasing farmers’ income and integrating modern, cluster-based farming models to boost productivity.

Under the ‘Him Unnati Yojana,’ the government is developing cluster-based agricultural activities, creating a total of 2,600 clusters across the state. Of these, 1,200 clusters will be developed by the Agriculture Department, 1,100 by natural farming units, and 300 through JICA, with a dedicated budget of Rs. 15 crore for this financial year. This project not only supports economic growth but also enhances smallholding farmers’ ability to engage in bulk production, integrating with other agricultural departments like animal husbandry and horticulture.

Another impactful scheme, the Mukhyamantri Krishi Samvardhan Yojana, is promoting cluster-based vegetable farming, distributing hybrid seeds, and offering subsidies on fertilizers. Under this scheme, farmers receive a 50% subsidy on seeds for cereals, pulses, oilseeds, and fodder crops, and a 25% subsidy on potato, ginger, and turmeric seeds. In the 2023-24 financial year alone, around 60,000 farmers benefited from hybrid seed distribution, with a budget provision of Rs. 23.60 crore. To meet farmers’ needs, the Agriculture Department is producing approximately 17,000 quintals of base seeds annually.

Modern agricultural practices are also being introduced by strengthening laboratories and adopting new techniques. The Agriculture Department currently operates 11 soil labs, multiple seed and fertilizer labs, biocontrol facilities, pesticide testing, and a bio-fertilizer quality control lab. A total of Rs. 2.77 crore has been allocated to ensure timely fertilizer supplies for farmers this fiscal year.

Farm machinery, like fodder cutters and threshers, is being provided at a 50% subsidy under the Rajya Krishi Yantrikaran Programme, with Rs. 5 crore allocated this year. These machines help reduce farmers’ workload while boosting crop productivity.

Robust irrigation systems are another key focus area. The government’s ‘Jal Se Krishi Ko Bal Yojana’ is working to improve water availability for farming through check dams, ponds, and lift and flow irrigation schemes. With a budget of Rs. 8 crore for this initiative, additional efforts include renovating community canals and rejuvenating shallow wells.

To protect crops from wildlife, farmers are being offered a 70% subsidy to install solar-powered chain fencing under the Mukhyamantri Krishi Utpadan Sanrkshan Yojana.

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu envisions an agro-economy that not only supports farmers but also contributes to food security, raw materials for industries, and the state’s economic development. By prioritizing self-employment in agriculture and related fields, the government is working to create a sustainable, robust agricultural future for Himachal Pradesh’s farming community.