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States » NorthPosted at: May 5 2025 3:40PM


Himachal to begin MSP procurement of naturally grown wheat and turmeric from May 15

Shimla, May 5 (UNI) In a significant push to promote sustainable agriculture and improve rural livelihoods, the Himachal Pradesh government will start procurement of naturally grown wheat and raw turmeric from May 15 under the Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana (PK3Y).
The Minimum Support Price (MSP) has been fixed at Rs 60 per kg for wheat and Rs 90 per kg for raw turmeric — the highest rates for these crops in the country.
The initiative aims to encourage low-cost, non-chemical farming methods across the state. Agriculture Secretary C. Paulrasu confirmed that farmers producing these crops through natural farming techniques have already been identified for procurement.
Special focus is being laid on the tribal Pangi valley in Chamba district, where sowing of naturally grown Barley has just begun. The government is working on procuring Barley at an MSP of Rs 60 per kg from this remote region to support unemployed youth and boost the local economy.
Pangi is also set to become the first officially certified Natural Farming sub-division in Himachal Pradesh. Following Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s announcement on April 15 during the Himachal Day function in Pangi, the Agriculture Department has initiated a Large Area Certification process under the Participatory Guarantee Scheme (PGS). A committee formed under PK3Y is conducting a detailed survey for this purpose.
“The government is committed to strengthening the rural economy and promoting environmentally friendly agriculture. Training, awareness, and certification are being carried out extensively under PK3Y,” said Secretary Paulrasu.
Natural farming is now practiced by 2.22 lakh farmers across 38,437 hectares in the state, with 1.98 lakh already certified under PK3Y’s CETARA-NF system. The program has trained 3.06 lakh farmers statewide.
Last year, the state successfully procured 399 metric tonnes of naturally grown maize from 1,509 certified farmers, processed it into flour, and marketed it under the Him Bhog Makki Atta brand through the Food and Civil Supplies Corporation.
The ongoing efforts aim to position Himachal Pradesh as a leader in sustainable agriculture while ensuring fair returns to farmers.
UNI ML SJC
Tags: #Himachal to begin MSP procurement of naturally grown wheat and turmeric from May 15
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