Una, April 16: Natural farming is no longer merely an alternative for the farmers of Himachal; it is steadily evolving into a practice grounded in trust and confidence. The decision by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu—announced in the 2026-27 budget—to increase the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops produced through natural farming has further solidified this trust.
The government has raised the MSP for wheat grown via natural farming from ?60 to ?80 per kilogram, for maize from ?40 to ?50, and for turmeric from ?90 to ?150 per kilogram. This hike is expected to ensure better returns for farmers on their produce.
This decision is being received positively across rural areas. Farmers state that when they receive a fair price for their harvest, their enthusiasm for adopting natural farming practices will naturally increase. Farmers in Una district are hailing the government's decision to raise the MSP as both visionary and pro-farmer. Consequently, they have unanimously expressed their gratitude to the state government.
Kewal Chand, a progressive farmer from Malahat village in the Una block, remarked that the state government's decision to increase the MSP for maize, wheat, and turmeric is highly commendable. He noted that this move would encourage even more farmers to embrace natural farming and play a pivotal role in fostering self-reliance among the youth. He extended his thanks to Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for this public-welfare-oriented initiative.
Meanwhile, Kulwant Singh, a farmer from Ghaluwal who has been engaged in natural farming for the past seven to eight years, also welcomed the government's decision. He shared that he cultivates a variety of crops—including wheat, maize, chickpeas, lentils, and onions—using natural farming methods. He noted that natural farming has not only improved the economic condition of farmers like himself but has also led to an increase in production yields. He added that there is an added sense of satisfaction in knowing that, through this practice, they are providing consumers with toxin-free, health-promoting produce. According to Kulwant Singh, the government's historic decision to increase the Minimum Support Price (MSP) will prove to be a milestone in promoting chemical-free farming within the state. This initiative will inspire an increasing number of farmers and youth to embrace natural farming. Furthermore, this step is poised to foster self-reliance among farmers and steer the agricultural sector toward a sustainable and empowered future.

**Natural Farming to Gain New Momentum**
According to Dr. Pyaro Devi, Deputy Director of the ATMA Project, 14,240 farmers in Una district are already engaged in natural farming. The increase in MSP will provide a direct benefit to these farmers and will also encourage other farmers to gravitate toward this practice. She noted that, under the project, this campaign is being further strengthened by providing farmers with technical guidance and training.

**An Effective Initiative for Income Enhancement**
Una Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal stated that, in accordance with the directives of Chief Minister Shri Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, efforts are underway to ensure that the benefits of farmer-friendly schemes reach 100 percent of the farmers in the district. Alongside promoting natural farming, every possible form of assistance is being extended to farmers with the aim of boosting their income, strengthening the rural economy, and ensuring that purity reaches every dining table.