Himachal to Source and Sell Naturally Grown Wheat
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Synopsis
The Himachal Pradesh government is expanding its procurement efforts to include naturally produced wheat, following its successful maize program. A new registration form for farmers aims to streamline the process, supporting natural farming practices and ensuring fair pricing.
Key Takeaways
- Himachal is starting wheat procurement.
- Registration form for farmers is available.
- Natural farming practices are encouraged.
- Highest MSP for maize in India.
- Integrated with CETARA-NF portal.
Shimla, February 3 (NationPress) Following the success of procuring and marketing naturally cultivated maize, the Himachal Pradesh government is set to begin the procurement of naturally produced wheat.
During a session aimed at outlining priorities for legislators, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu introduced a streamlined registration form designed to facilitate direct procurement from farmers.
Farmers can choose to complete the form either online or offline.
According to the Chief Minister, this new initiative will enable interested farmers to easily transition to natural farming by filling out the registration form.
He mentioned that these forms will collect vital information regarding land, crops cultivated, livestock breeds, and details related to natural farming training, and will be made available to farmers across all panchayats.
CM Sukhu emphasized that this initiative will further promote natural farming practices in the 2025-26 period.
The government has successfully procured 398.976 metric tons of naturally grown maize from 1,508 farmers at a rate of Rs 30 per kg, which is the highest minimum support price (MSP) in the nation. A similar method will be implemented for the procurement of naturally produced wheat in the upcoming season, with an MSP set at Rs 40 per kg. He added that naturally produced maize flour is available in 1 kg and 5 kg packets under the brand name 'Him Bhog', and as of February 1, 38.225 metric tons of maize flour have been sold through 1,054 Fair Price shops, along with 73.52 metric tons sold via the wholesale units of the HP State Civil Supplies Corporation Ltd.
Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Minister Chander Kumar stated that forms filled out by farmers will be verified in the field. He added that the forms will be integrated with the CETARA-NF (Certified Evaluation Tool of Agriculture Resources Analysis of Natural Farming) portal of PK3Y.
