French Scientists Applaud Himachal's Advancement in Natural Farming

A scientific delegation from France's INRAE praised Himachal Pradesh's pioneering natural farming initiatives during a meeting with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. The state was recognized for its innovative CETARA certification system and its HIM-UNNATI scheme aiming to boost chemical-free agriculture and dairy production.

A scientific delegation from the French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food, and Environment (INRAE) met Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday. Led by Prof Allison Marie Loconto, Deputy Director of LISIS, the team is on a mission to study natural farming advancements in the state.

Chief Minister Sukhu highlighted that Himachal Pradesh is a pioneer in natural farming, being the first state in India to offer a minimum support price for naturally grown products. He detailed that wheat and maize are procured at Rs 40 per kg and Rs 30 per kg, respectively, while cow and buffalo milk are purchased at Rs 45 and Rs 55 per litre. Sukhu emphasized the state's goal to lead in natural farming within five to six years, stressing the importance of product certification under the CETARA system.

Sukhu also discussed the HIM-UNNATI scheme, which uses a cluster-based approach to produce and certify chemical-free produce, involving around 50,000 farmers across 2,600 agricultural groups. Efforts are also underway to boost the dairy sector. The INRAE delegation praised the state's natural farming efforts and expressed interest in the CETARA certification for global adoption. The visit, part of the European Commission-funded ACROPICS project, aims to advance agroecological crop protection co-innovation.