Himachal Pradesh Designates Pangi as First Natural Farming Sub-Division
Pangi's New Status as a Natural Farming Hub
News Media Report
Pangi:
The Himachal Pradesh government has made a significant move by officially designating the Pangi sub-division in Chamba district as the state's inaugural 'Natural Farming Sub-Division'.
This initiative, which fulfills Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu's announcement on Himachal Day, has garnered widespread support from the local community in this remote valley.
Residents are praising this decision as a groundbreaking policy that resonates with the region's traditional agricultural practices while addressing critical issues such as sustainable land management, soil health restoration, and ecological balance.
Raj Kumar, a farmer from Dhanvas village, remarked, “This change was long overdue. Chemical farming has degraded our lands. The government's endorsement of natural methods is a positive step forward.” He noted that many landowners who previously leased their farms for chemical agriculture now regret their decisions due to soil deterioration.
At present, 2,244 farming families in Pangi are engaged in chemical-free agriculture. With this new designation, the government aims to convert all 2,920 hectares of cultivated land—including agricultural, horticultural, and allied sectors—into fully natural farming practices.
Empowering Women and Grassroots Impact
Women farmers from Punto village, Sheela Devi and Sunita Kumari, expressed optimism that this official recognition will improve their livelihoods, even with their small landholdings. “By adopting natural farming, we can safeguard our land and ensure a healthier future for our children,” they stated.
Natural farming in the area has already yielded promising results, such as reduced input costs, enhanced crop quality, and improved soil fertility. The government plans to implement a phased and decentralized approach to support these initiatives.
The Agriculture Department has crafted a detailed roadmap that includes village-level planning, training programs, and field demonstrations. To aid this transition, Bio-Input Resource Centres (BRCs) will be established at the panchayat level. These centres will provide natural formulations like Beejamrit, Jeevamrit, Dashparni Ark, and Agniastra, while also serving as hubs for community training and knowledge sharing, particularly for farmers lacking livestock, which are crucial for producing these inputs.
In subsequent phases, the initiative will focus on developing infrastructure, including poly-houses, cold storage, and transport facilities, along with the establishment of self-help groups (SHGs), farmer producer organizations (FPOs), and farmer producer companies (FPCs).
Market Access and Certification for Farmers
To facilitate farmers' access to premium organic markets, the government will introduce Large Area Certification (LAC) under the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS-India). This community-driven certification will enable entire villages to be recognized as organically managed areas, enhancing the visibility and market value of their products.
Deepak Kumar, the pradhan of Suraal panchayat, welcomed this initiative, stating, “This marks a pivotal moment for our region's economy. With adequate support, our produce can fetch better prices, encouraging the youth to view farming as a viable career.”
A spokesperson for the state government emphasized that the current administration, led by Chief Minister Sukhu, is dedicated to advancing tribal and remote areas through innovative and inclusive policies. He highlighted initiatives like 'Sarkar Gaon Ke Dwar' and the celebration of Himachal Day in Kaza as efforts to understand and tackle grassroots challenges.