Himachal Pradesh Launches Him-Unnati to Propel Natural Farming

Himachal Pradesh has announced the Him-Unnati initiative to promote natural farming. With Rs 150 crore allocated, it will help 1.92 lakh farmers, focusing on smallholders. The scheme aims for economic viability, self-employment, and increased productivity by integrating various agricultural sectors.

The Himachal Pradesh government has launched an ambitious initiative named Him-Unnati, aimed at advancing natural farming across the state, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced on Friday.

Funded with Rs 150 crore, the scheme aims to support around 1.92 lakh farmers who are already involved in chemical-free farming over 32,149 hectares. The focus is on making agriculture economically viable by using a cluster-based development model.

Him-Unnati will consolidate smallholding farmers for bulk production, ensuring marketable surplus. Different agricultural schemes will be integrated under this initiative, collaborating with departments like Animal Husbandry, Horticulture, Fisheries, and Rural Development.

Chief Minister Sukhu highlighted that the scheme will benefit small and marginal farmers, particularly women and those from disadvantaged sections of society, including SC, ST, and BPL families.

The scheme is expected to create self-employment opportunities for around 50,000 farmers by forming 2,600 specialized agricultural clusters. An increase of 15-20 percent in vegetable and cereal productivity within the state is also anticipated.

For the current fiscal year, the government has earmarked Rs 50 crore to establish 10 new Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Rs 10 crore for wire mesh and barbed wire support.

Chief Minister Sukhu added that the government would purchase up to 20 quintals of naturally grown grains per family at Rs 40 per kg for wheat and Rs 30 per kg for maize, to encourage chemical-free farming and foster agricultural entrepreneurship.

The scheme will also provide capacity-building training and financial assistance to strengthen the farming economy, aiming for self-reliance in the state.

(With inputs from agencies.)