Shimla, May 5,
The Himachal Pradesh government will launch procurement of naturally grown Wheat and Raw Turmeric at record-high Minimum Support Prices (MSP) from May 15 under its flagship Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana (PK3Y).
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According to the state Agriculture Department, the MSP has been fixed at ₹60 per kg for Wheat and ₹90 per kg for Raw Turmeric — the highest rates offered for these natural crops anywhere in India. This initiative is expected to provide a strong economic boost to farmers practicing natural, chemical-free agriculture across Himachal Pradesh.
Agriculture Secretary C. Paulrasu stated that farmers following approved natural farming methods have already been verified and shortlisted for procurement. “This move will strengthen sustainable farming, ensure premium prices for produce, and create a reliable market for naturally grown food,” he said.
He said that a special focus has been placed on the remote and tribal Pangi valley in Chamba district. Here, sowing of naturally grown Barley has commenced, and the government plans to procure it at ₹60 per kg MSP in the coming months, he added. The procurement will not only support the local tribal population but also generate employment opportunities for youth in the region.
Pangi is also set to become Himachal Pradesh’s first officially certified Natural Farming Sub-Division, informed the Agriculture Secretary. The Large Area Certification process under the Participatory Guarantee Scheme (PGS) is already underway, following Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s announcement on Himachal Day (April 15), he stated.
Himachal Pradesh has emerged as a leading promoter of natural farming in India. He said that currently, 2.22 lakh farmers are practicing natural farming across 38,437 hectares. Of these, 1.98 lakh farmers have been certified under PK3Y’s CETARA-NF system. The state has also trained over 3.06 lakh farmers in sustainable practices, stated Paulrasu .
Last year, 399 metric tonnes of naturally grown maize were procured from 1,509 certified farmers. This maize was processed and sold as Him Bhog Makki Atta by the Food and Civil Supplies Corporation, setting a precedent for branding and marketing natural produce.
Secretary Paulrasu emphasized that the government is investing in awareness, training, and certification to transform agriculture across the state. “We are committed to building a rural economy rooted in ecological sustainability. PK3Y is designed not just to promote low-cost farming but to ensure fair and assured returns to our farmers,” he added.
