Focus on Increasing Farmers' Income Through Natural Farming and Better Market Linkages: Mukesh Repswal

Chamba | July 30, 2026: Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repswal chaired the district-level meeting of the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) at the National Informatics Centre’s video conferencing hall on Thursday. Officials reviewed various activities being implemented under the ATMA project and presented details of expenditure and progress.

The Deputy Commissioner directed officials to prepare a comprehensive marketing plan for farmers practising natural farming in the district. He instructed departments to divide the district into clusters and develop cluster-specific marketing strategies. He also called for identifying suitable markets and sales centres to ensure farmers receive fair prices and better market access for their produce.

He stressed the need for stronger coordination among the Agriculture Department and allied departments, directing them to organise joint training camps so that farmers can benefit from multiple government schemes through a single platform.

Highlighting the importance of Pangi Valley, the Deputy Commissioner said the region is being developed as a Natural Farming Sub-Division. He directed officials to accelerate natural farming initiatives in the valley, noting that agricultural activities there are limited to a short working season. He instructed departments to utilise the available time efficiently and deploy experts to train farmers in both natural and modern farming practices.

Mukesh Repswal emphasised that all concerned departments should work in close coordination to promote natural farming, strengthen farmers’ livelihoods and achieve project targets within the stipulated timelines. He also directed departments to present progress and achievements related to natural farming in every review meeting for effective monitoring.

During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner interacted with progressive farmers to learn about their experiences, innovations and suggestions related to natural farming.

He further directed the department to undertake a detailed study on the potential for mushroom cultivation in the district and prepare a concrete action plan to develop it as a sustainable livelihood opportunity for farmers.

The proceedings of the meeting were conducted by Project Director Nitin Sharma.