A month-long special drive launched by the Himachal Pradesh government to register farmers interested in selling their naturally grown crops commenced on Thursday.
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed the Agriculture Department to carry out the registration process in each assembly constituency on a mission mode to ensure maximum participation.
According to an official spokesperson, the campaign will run until June 15. Following its conclusion, a budgetary provision will be made by the state government to support the initiative. Camps will be organised by the Agriculture Department to facilitate the registration of interested farmers. Block-level officers have been instructed to assist farmers and address their queries related to the campaign.
The state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Sukhu, has introduced a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for naturally grown crops such as wheat, maize, raw turmeric, and barley. The MSP for naturally grown wheat has been increased from ₹40 to ₹60 per kg, and for maize from ₹30 to ₹40 per kg. The MSP for raw turmeric has been fixed at ₹90 per kg, while barley produced in the Pangi block of Chamba district will be purchased at ₹60 per kg.
The spokesperson highlighted that the Chief Minister is placing special emphasis on strengthening the rural economy by offering MSP for naturally grown farm produce. The MSP rates offered in Himachal Pradesh are the highest in the country.
In addition to crop procurement, the state government is also supporting livestock farmers by procuring cow milk at ₹51 per litre and buffalo milk at ₹61 per
litre.
He said that these progressive measures aimed at encouraging natural farming and supporting livestock farmers are expected to play a crucial role in boosting the rural economy and ensuring suitable livelihoods.
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