Natural Farming Movement Gains Momentum in Hamirpur under CM Sukhu’s Vision

Over 20,000 Farmers Adopt Natural Farming, Reaping Double Benefits of Profit and Health

Hamirpur, August 3:
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s commitment to revolutionizing agriculture in Himachal Pradesh through the promotion of Natural Farming is yielding remarkable results. Following his directives, a massive awareness campaign under the ATMA Project is underway in Hamirpur district, inspiring thousands of farmers to embrace chemical-free, sustainable farming practices.

So far, more than 20,000 farmers in Hamirpur have transitioned to natural farming, significantly reducing their input costs while enhancing soil fertility. The government’s incentives, including attractive procurement rates for natural produce, have been instrumental in this shift. Wheat is being procured at ₹60 per kg, maize at ₹40 per kg, and turmeric at ₹90 per kg. This dual benefit of producing toxin-free food for their families and securing premium prices in the market is motivating farmers to adopt these eco-friendly methods.

Recent procurement figures highlight this success: over 96 quintals of naturally grown wheat, 53 quintals of maize, and 9 quintals of raw turmeric have been purchased directly from farmers, with subsidies being directly transferred to their bank accounts. This initiative has not only reduced cultivation costs to near zero but has also restored soil vitality, setting a benchmark model acknowledged even by the Central Government as exemplary for other states.

Dr. Nitin Sharma, Project Director of ATMA Hamirpur, detailed the support mechanisms—₹25,000 subsidy for purchasing indigenous cows, ₹5,000 for transportation, and up to ₹8,000 for gaushala infrastructure, along with subsidies for essential equipment. These benefits have catalyzed a new wave of enthusiasm among farmers.

Farmers like Shakuntla Devi and Sushma Devi from Gram Panchayat Amlaihad, and Sunil Dutt from Dhaneta, shared that natural farming has brought a new hope into their lives. Not only has their production cost drastically reduced, but they are also enjoying higher profits and a poison-free diet, ensuring a healthier lifestyle.