Himachal Pradesh has introduced record-high support prices for wheat and maize, alongside a strong push for natural farming, in an effort to uplift its rural economy. The state is now the first in India to offer Rs 40 per kilogram for wheat and Rs 30 per kilogram for maize sourced from farmers practicing eco-friendly farming methods, according to an official statement.
This initiative aims to alleviate the financial pressures faced by farmers while promoting sustainable farming practices. As of now, 398 metric tonnes of naturally grown maize have been procured from 1,508 farmers, with a total of Rs 1.19 crore directly credited to their bank accounts. To further support this movement, the government has launched Him Bhog-Him Makki Atta, a brand that promotes products from natural farming. Additionally, farmers are permitted to sell up to 20 quintals of maize, ensuring a steady income stream.
In a broader push to integrate agriculture with employment opportunities, the state government has also rolled out the Rajiv Gandhi Natural Farming Start-up Yojana under the Rs 680 crore Rajiv Gandhi Start-up Scheme. This initiative has successfully attracted 36,000 new farmers to natural farming this year, bringing the total number of participants to 1.98 lakh.
Himachal Pradesh has also implemented a Rs 1,292 crore horticulture and irrigation scheme across seven districts, alongside improvements in market infrastructure, allowing farmers to access better markets for their produce. Additionally, the state has set a minimum support price for milk, a first in India, which will benefit over 20,000 dairy farmers through enhanced processing facilities.
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