The Chief Minister's Office of Himachal Pradesh announced on Saturday, 4 July 2026 that the state's natural farming programme has reached a significant scale, with farmers across the hill state continuing to adopt chemical-free cultivation under a renewed government push.

The post, shared from the official CMO Himachal Pradesh account, states: 'Vartaman mein pradesh ke 2,56,870 kisaan 44,784.73 hectare bhoomi par prakritik kheti kar rahe hain' — meaning, 'At present, 2,56,870 farmers in the state are practising natural farming on 44,784.73 hectares of land.' The statement adds that the number of farmers adopting natural farming is steadily rising due to the state government's new initiative, with a stated aim of putting more money in the hands of small and marginal dairy and other farmers.

Context

Natural farming refers to chemical-free, low-external-input cultivation rooted in traditional agricultural practices. It is distinct from certified organic farming in that it relies on farm-produced biological inputs — such as cow dung and urine-based preparations — rather than commercially purchased organic inputs. Himachal Pradesh, a predominantly hill state with a large proportion of small and marginal landholdings, has positioned itself as an early mover in scaling this model across diverse agro-climatic zones.

The CMO's post comes amid a broader national conversation about the sustainability of input-intensive agriculture, particularly for smallholders in rainfed and fragile mountain ecosystems where chemical fertiliser costs have risen sharply.

Policy Backdrop

The Central Government's Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), launched in 2015, laid an early foundation for organic and natural farming clusters across Indian states, including Himachal Pradesh. The scheme provided cluster-based support for farmer groups to transition away from synthetic inputs, with financial assistance for certification and market linkages.

Since the mid-2010s, multiple Indian states — particularly in hill and rainfed belts — have expanded natural farming drives, citing reduced cultivation costs and improved soil health as twin benefits. Himachal Pradesh's reported trajectory mirrors this broader pattern, though the state has increasingly framed its programme around direct income support for small and marginal farmers, including those with dairy animals.

Stakeholders and Impact

Small and marginal farmers, who form the backbone of Himachal Pradesh's agrarian economy, are the primary target group. The CMO's reference to dairy farmers alongside crop cultivators signals an integrated livelihood approach — natural farming inputs such as jeevamrit (a microbial culture) are often produced using cattle, making dairy-linked households natural participants in the model.

If the reported figures hold, the programme now covers a substantial share of the state's cultivated area. Reduced dependence on purchased chemical inputs can lower per-acre costs for smallholders, though the transition period often requires technical support and market access for produce sold at a premium.

What's Next

The state government's emphasis on 'continuously growing' farmer numbers suggests that coverage targets are likely to feature in upcoming agriculture budget discussions and policy statements. Observers will watch for specific financial allocations, extension support mechanisms, and whether the state links natural farming certification to premium market access or procurement schemes.

With Himachal Pradesh positioning natural farming as a vehicle for rural income enhancement — not merely an environmental goal — the programme's next phase will be judged by measurable income outcomes for the small and marginal farmers it aims to reach.