Himachal to Acquire Organic Turmeric at ₹90 per Kg
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Synopsis
The Himachal Pradesh government, led by CM Sukhvinder Sukhu, is initiating a program for farmers to sell organic turmeric at ₹90 per kg, promoting natural farming and enhancing rural livelihoods.
Key Takeaways
- Registration for farmers to sell turmeric at ₹90/kg.
- Department of Agriculture to provide training.
- Turmeric processed at Spice Park in Hamirpur.
- ‘Himachal Haldi’ for quality assurance.
- Increased prices for other crops and milk.
Shimla, April 7 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Sukhvinder Sukhu, on Monday unveiled the registration form for farmers to sell raw turmeric cultivated through natural farming practices at a minimum support price (MSP) of ₹90 per kg.
This initiative, introduced in the 2025–26 Budget, aims to bolster the rural economy by offering a guaranteed price for turmeric and promoting natural farming methods throughout Himachal Pradesh, as per an official statement.
The Department of Agriculture will oversee the registration process and provide training to farmers on natural farming techniques. The raw turmeric sourced from registered farmers will be processed at the forthcoming Spice Park in Hamirpur. The processed turmeric will be branded and marketed as ‘Himachal Haldi’, ensuring quality assurance and a distinctive identity in the marketplace.
“For the first time, government agencies will directly procure raw turmeric from farmers, marking a significant shift for their livelihoods and ensuring prompt cash flow in the rural economy,” stated the Chief Minister.
He added that the government is also procuring naturally grown wheat at ₹60 per kg and maize at ₹40 per kg. Furthermore, over the past two years, the state has raised the milk procurement price by ₹21 per litre. Cow milk is now procured at ₹51 per litre and buffalo milk at ₹61 per litre.
Currently, turmeric is cultivated over approximately 2,042.5 hectares in the state, producing around 24,995 metric tons annually. The key turmeric-producing districts include Hamirpur, Kangra, Bilaspur, Sirmaur, Mandi, and Solan.
Turmeric has become a promising source of income due to its high medicinal value, especially in the post-Covid-19 era, along with a rising demand in both domestic and international markets. Its natural resistance to wild and stray animals, particularly monkeys, along with lower labor requirements and extended post-harvest shelf life, makes turmeric cultivation well-suited to the challenges faced by farmers in Himachal Pradesh.
