Una, November 12 – The state government is continuously striving to promote natural farming and strengthen the economic condition of farmers. In this regard, the procurement process of maize grown through natural farming began on Wednesday at the Rampur and Takarla grain markets in Una district through the Himachal Pradesh State Civil Supplies Corporation. This process was initiated under the Agriculture Department's ATMA project in collaboration with the Civil Supplies Corporation.
On the first day of the maize procurement process, approximately 80 quintals of maize were purchased from 16 farmers in Una district. Deputy Commissioner Una, Jatin Lal, stated that farmers selling maize have been provided with receipts for their produce, and payments will be transferred directly to their bank accounts through DBT. He explained that the state government is promoting natural farming extensively and educating farmers about its benefits. He emphasized that this farming method is not only safe for the environment and human health, but also maintains soil quality. Additionally, farmers' incomes are significantly increased due to zero cultivation costs.
Pyaro Devi, Director of the ATMA Project, Una, informed that the state government has set a support price of ?40 per kilogram for maize produced through natural farming, with a freight charge of ?2 per kilogram. Interested farmers can dry and clean their maize and sell it within a week at warehouses in Rampur and Takarla between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Onkar, a progressive farmer from Sasan village in Una, said that the state government's promotion of natural farming is a positive initiative for farmers. They are receiving fair prices for their produce, strengthening their financial situation. Meanwhile, progressive farmers Gurdeep Singh of Binewal, Daulat Ram of Barnoh, and Poonam of Haroli reported that maize grown using chemical fertilizers previously sold for only ?23 per kilogram. Now, maize produced through natural farming is being sold for ?40 per kilogram (42 including freight). This is providing substantial profits to the farmers.
Project Director Pyaro Devi, Regional Manager Civil Supply Rita and others were present on the occasion.