In a strategic push towards self-reliance and inclusive development, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transforming the state’s rural economy as a central pillar of its long-term vision. Speaking about the state’s recent milestones, the Chief Minister emphasized that the majority of Himachal’s population—over 80 percent—relies heavily on agriculture and horticulture. Therefore, empowering this segment is not just a policy direction, but a necessary foundation for building a truly self-sufficient Himachal.
Underlining the shift in priorities over the last two and a half years of the Congress-led government, Sukhu said that a robust agrarian economy is no longer a distant ideal but a fast-evolving reality. Himachal Pradesh has emerged as the first state in the country to offer Minimum Support Price (MSP) on organic produce cultivated through natural farming practices. This unprecedented step is already having a transformative effect on farming communities, helping them transition to chemical-free and sustainable agricultural methods.
The Chief Minister noted key revisions in MSP for key crops: maize procurement rates were first increased to ₹30 per kilogram, and later to ₹40, while the MSP for wheat was revised from ₹40 to ₹60 per kilogram. In a significant move to encourage turmeric cultivation, an MSP of ₹90 per kilogram has been introduced for raw turmeric, to be processed and marketed under the new brand ‘Himachal Haldi’—a step that not only boosts income opportunities for farmers but also establishes a distinct identity for Himachali farm products in wider markets.
The introduction of “Him-Bhog Him-Makki,” a maize flour brand produced from naturally farmed maize, is another cornerstone of the government’s rural empowerment strategy. More than 4,000 quintals of maize have been procured from around 1,590 farmer families practicing organic farming across ten districts, excluding Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. This flour is now available through the Public Distribution System (PDS) across Himachal Pradesh and also sold on the government’s e-commerce platform HIM-ERA. This effort not only strengthens the branding of Himachali products but also ensures nutritional and organic alternatives for consumers in both rural and urban settings. Furthermore, ₹1.20 crore has been directly transferred to farmers’ accounts as payment for 400 metric tonnes of maize, showcasing the government’s transparent and farmer-centric approach.
The state government’s plans go beyond short-term relief. With a target of integrating over 9.6 lakh farmers into natural farming in a phased manner, the administration is focusing on long-term sustainability and profitability in agriculture. CM Sukhu recalled the state of despair two and a half years ago, when many farmers were forced to sell their land to pay off debts. Recognizing this distress, his government launched the Interest Subvention Scheme to offer one-time financial relief to farmers facing land auction due to loan burdens.
There has been a visible shift in the mindset of the farming community, the Chief Minister observed. Over 2.23 lakh farmers and horticulturists across nearly all panchayats of the state have either fully or partially adopted natural farming practices. This grassroots-level transition is being supported by government initiatives aimed at offering quality seeds, expanding irrigation networks, ensuring fair crop prices, providing insurance cover, and promoting agricultural research and skill-building.
This strategic reorientation reflects more than just an agricultural reform—it signifies a broader commitment to environmental stewardship, rural empowerment, and economic decentralization. Himachal Pradesh is increasingly positioning itself as a national leader in sustainable agricultural innovation, proving that policy backed by political will can bring meaningful transformation to farming lives.
By bridging the traditional strengths of rural Himachal with modern agrarian demands, the state is laying the groundwork for an inclusive and resilient future—one where prosperity is grown from the soil and shared by all.
This is a web-generated news story created to highlight policy transformation and grassroots development in Himachal Pradesh.
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