Boosting Farmer Incomes: Himachal Pradesh's Natural Farming Initiative

The Himachal Pradesh government's initiative to promote natural farming is yielding positive results, with farmers reporting increased incomes and reduced risks. The introduction of a minimum support price for turmeric has provided crucial support, especially for those affected by wildlife damage. Farmers like Suresh Kumar are successfully transitioning to natural farming, revitalizing their lands and boosting their confidence. This initiative not only aims to enhance economic viability but also encourages environmentally sustainable practices, ensuring a brighter future for agriculture in the region. Read on to learn more about the impact of this program on local farmers.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 25, 2025, 17:27 IST

Natural Farming Initiative Yields Positive Results

Munish Sood
MANDI:
The Himachal Pradesh government's push for natural farming is starting to yield promising outcomes, with farmers experiencing increased earnings and diminished risks associated with agriculture. The establishment of a minimum support price (MSP) for naturally cultivated turmeric has proven to be a vital support system, especially for those farmers facing challenges from wildlife and escalating input expenses.

The initiative aims to enhance the economic viability of farming while ensuring that consumers receive chemical-free, high-quality products. By promoting crop diversification and natural farming techniques, the state government is working to rejuvenate agriculture in both rural and semi-rural regions.

A notable example of this initiative's success can be observed in Gambhar Khad village, located in the Balh subdivision of Mandi district. Here, farmer Suresh Kumar has successfully returned to agriculture after a prolonged period of uncertainty.

Suresh previously cultivated maize, but frequent crop destruction by wild animals rendered farming unfeasible. Despite his diligent efforts, he struggled to achieve a sustainable income and ultimately had to abandon his fields, leaving them uncultivated.

Last year, he learned about the 'Zero Budget Natural Farming' initiative, which is part of a project run by the Agriculture Department, coupled with the government's guaranteed procurement of raw turmeric at a fixed MSP. With technical assistance from the department and 100 kg of turmeric seeds provided from Palampur, he commenced natural turmeric farming on one bigha of land.

As the crop approaches harvest time, Suresh noted that turmeric has emerged as a safer option, as it is not susceptible to damage from wild animals, significantly alleviating his concerns about crop loss. This transition has not only restored his faith in farming but has also revitalized previously unused land.

Encouraged by his success, he intends to expand his turmeric cultivation to two bighas in the upcoming season, citing stable profits and low input costs associated with natural farming methods.

Support Mechanisms for Natural Farming

The state government has set an MSP of Rs 90 per kg for raw turmeric to bolster natural farming and ensure income security for farmers. Officials indicated that turmeric was chosen due to its medicinal benefits and increasing market demand, with efforts underway to connect its production to the spice and cosmetic sectors.

According to the Agriculture Department, during the 2024-25 season, a total of 2.982 metric tonnes of raw turmeric was procured from 15 farmers in Mandi district at the established MSP. Approximately Rs 2.68 lakh was directly deposited into the farmers' bank accounts.

Officials reported that this initiative has enabled farmers to lower cultivation costs, tackle wildlife-related issues, and adopt environmentally sustainable practices. Farmers throughout the district are being encouraged to transition to natural farming and cultivate high-value crops to boost their income and ensure long-term agricultural sustainability.