Pure and Nutritious Produce to Reach Consumers Through Natural Farming: Kewal Singh Pathania
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Dharamshala, September 14 – The Agriculture Department, under the Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA) project, organized a day-long farmers’ seminar at Rakkar-ka-Bagh (Rait), where Chief Whip and Shahpur MLA Kewal Singh Pathania graced the occasion as the chief guest.
Addressing the gathering, Pathania said that the Himachal Pradesh Government has taken a historic step towards farmer prosperity, soil health, pure produce, and climate resilience by promoting natural farming. Under initiatives like the Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana, National Mission on Natural Farming, and ATMA, farmers across the state are adopting natural farming and finding success.
He highlighted that Himachal Pradesh is the first state in the country to declare Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for crops grown through natural farming—₹60 per kg for wheat, ₹40 per kg for maize, ₹60 per kg for barley, and ₹90 per kg for raw turmeric. This, he said, will not only ensure fair returns for farmers but also provide consumers with pure and health-enriching products.
Calling the move a milestone in agricultural self-reliance, Pathania emphasized that natural farming will reduce costs, increase profits, protect the environment, and ensure public health. He also urged farmers to diversify into horticulture, dairy, animal husbandry, and fisheries for additional income sources.
On the occasion, Pathania distributed fruit saplings among farmers and handed over cheques worth ₹34 lakh under the Mukhyamantri Sukh Aashray Yojna—₹3 lakh each to 10 beneficiaries for house construction and ₹2 lakh each to two youths as marriage assistance. He also distributed school bags to 118 children from five schools and financial aid of ₹11,000 each to local women’s groups.
Further, he announced the installation of two hand pumps in Rakkar-ka-Bagh for improved drinking water supply and assured the construction of the main village road within a month.
Agriculture Department’s Additional Director, Dr. Rahul Katoch, welcomed the chief guest and shared details about various state and central schemes, advanced farming techniques, soil health management, and the benefits of natural farming. Natural farm produce was also exhibited at the seminar.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from farmers, Panchayat representatives, and local residents. Pathania’s wife, Sugandha Pathania, was also present as a special guest.
