Una, June 14:- Natural farming is rapidly becoming the preferred choice of farmers in Himachal Pradesh. Government procurement, increased Minimum Support Prices (MSP), and the provision of a “guaranteed market” have significantly eased the long-standing concerns of farmers regarding the sale of their produce and receiving fair prices. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the state government's initiative is establishing natural farming as an environmentally sustainable as well as economically viable and profitable alternative.
There was a time when farmers adopting natural farming faced major challenges in finding suitable markets and obtaining fair prices for their produce. Many were concerned about whether they would find buyers after moving away from conventional chemical-based farming. However, government procurement of naturally grown wheat, maize, and turmeric, coupled with better support prices, has now provided farmers with a guaranteed market for their produce.
## MSP Boosts Farmers’ Confidence
To promote natural farming, the Sukhu Government has significantly increased MSP rates. The MSP for naturally grown wheat has been raised from ?60 to ?80 per kilogram, maize from ?40 to ?50 per kilogram, barley from Pangi Valley from ?60 to ?80 per kilogram, and natural turmeric from ?90 to ?150 per kilogram. Additionally, natural ginger has been brought under the MSP framework for the first time, with a support price of ?30 per kilogram.
This decision has given natural farming practitioners confidence that they will receive assured markets and better prices for their produce. The government procurement system has played a crucial role in making natural farming both practical and profitable. As a result, a growing number of farmers across different districts of the state are turning towards natural farming.
## Una Becomes a Model of Positive Change
A strong example of the growing impact of natural farming can be seen in Una district. During the past three years, 9,393 farmers have adopted natural farming under the Rajiv Gandhi Natural Farming Prosperous Farmer Scheme. This figure demonstrates that when farmers are assured of markets and price security, they are willing to embrace innovative agricultural practices.
According to Pyaro Devi, Director of the ATMA Project Una, procurement of 520 quintals of naturally grown wheat from 111 farmers is being carried out this year at an MSP of ?80 per kilogram. Approximately ?41.60 lakh will be directly transferred into the bank accounts of farmers. She stated that the government’s initiative is encouraging farmers to adopt natural farming while ensuring fair returns for their hard work.
Last year, 416 quintals of natural wheat were procured from 39 farmers at ?60 per kilogram, and ?25.83 lakh was directly credited to their accounts. Similarly, 196.43 quintals of natural maize were procured from 33 farmers at ?40 per kilogram, with payments amounting to ?8.25 lakh. In addition, 6.42 quintals of natural turmeric were purchased at ?150 per kilogram, for which farmers received ?96,300. These figures indicate that the government is actively promoting natural farming through policy support, procurement mechanisms, and timely payments.
## Farmers Share Their Success Stories
Joginder Pal Sharma, a progressive farmer from Marwari village in Gagret block, has been practising natural farming and says that the increase in MSP for natural farming products has provided major support to farmers. Last year, he sold 40 quintals of wheat at ?60 per kilogram, while this year he sold 30 quintals at ?80 per kilogram. According to him, better prices have increased farmers’ confidence in natural farming and encouraged more people to adopt the practice.
Anita Kumari, a woman farmer from Bhanjal village in Lathiani Gram Panchayat, says that production was comparatively lower during the initial years. However, with training, technical guidance, and experience, productivity has improved significantly. She believes that the increased MSP for natural farming products is nothing short of a blessing for farmers.
Prakash Chand Sharma from Takarla village has been practising natural farming for the past three years. He said that he initially started on a limited area of land but expanded cultivation after witnessing better yields and attractive MSP rates. Last year, he sold 11 quintals of wheat at ?60 per kilogram, while this year he sold 15 quintals at ?80 per kilogram, resulting in a significant increase in his income.
## Government Procurement and Rising MSP Have Laid the Foundation for Positive Change: DC Jatin Lal
Deputy Commissioner Una, Jatin Lal, said that in accordance with the directions of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, continuous efforts are being made in the district to encourage farmers to adopt natural farming. The policy of ensuring government procurement and consistently increasing MSP has laid a strong foundation for positive transformation in the district. Farmers are now moving towards natural farming with greater confidence.
## Environmental Protection Alongside Economic Benefits
He further stated that natural farming is emerging as a sustainable agricultural system that helps maintain soil fertility, reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers, and promote the production of safe food. Its growing adoption is also contributing significantly to the conservation of water, soil, and the environment.