Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu declared on Sunday, April 26 that natural farming is the future of the state, as he virtually inaugurated and laid foundation stones for development projects worth Rs 34.31 crore under Dr Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry in Nauni, Solan district. The event marked a significant push by the state government to modernise agricultural education infrastructure while simultaneously championing a shift away from chemical-intensive farming.

Key Projects Inaugurated and Foundation Stones Laid

CM Sukhu inaugurated a 107-student capacity hostel at the College of Horticulture and Forestry in Neri, Hamirpur, constructed at a cost of Rs 3.63 crore. He also inaugurated the administrative building of the Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Tabo, located in Lahaul-Spiti district, built at a cost of Rs 1.48 crore.

Additionally, the Chief Minister laid foundation stones for working women's hostels with a capacity of 50 each at the College of Horticulture and Forestry in Neri and at the College of Horticulture and Forestry in Khaggal, at costs of Rs 8.57 crore and Rs 8.68 crore respectively, both in Hamirpur district.

A 100-capacity working women's hostel was also announced for the main campus of Dr Y.S. Parmar University, to be constructed at a cost of Rs 11.95 crore. The focus on women's hostel infrastructure signals a deliberate effort to improve access to agricultural higher education for women in rural Himachal Pradesh.

CM Sukhu's Push for Natural Farming

Chief Minister Sukhu emphasised that natural farming is not merely a policy preference but a long-term economic vision for Himachal Pradesh. He stated that the state government is actively promoting natural farming practices and expects Dr Y.S. Parmar University to play a central role in encouraging farmers to adopt these methods.

He revealed that more than 2 lakh farmers associated with natural farming have been registered across the state, of which approximately 1.98 lakh have already been issued certificates. This certification drive is part of a broader effort to formalise and incentivise the transition to chemical-free agriculture.

Himachal Pradesh has also been providing the highest Minimum Support Price (MSP) in the country for naturally grown crops, according to the Chief Minister, ensuring that farmers who make the switch receive fair and competitive returns.

Agriculture as the Backbone of Himachal's Economy

CM Sukhu underscored the centrality of agriculture to the state's socio-economic fabric. He noted that nearly 90 per cent of the population in Himachal Pradesh resides in rural areas, with approximately 53.95 per cent directly dependent on agriculture for their livelihoods.

Given this demographic reality, the government has committed to implementing progressive agricultural policies and farmer-friendly initiatives aimed at strengthening the rural economy. The Chief Minister framed these infrastructure investments as part of that broader commitment.

Fiscal Pressures and State's Response

CM Sukhu acknowledged the financial strain caused by the Central government's discontinuation of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG), which has significantly impacted Himachal Pradesh's fiscal position. Despite this, he asserted that the state is making sustained efforts to ensure adequate funding for education, healthcare, and the rural economy.

This comes amid broader concerns about Himachal Pradesh's debt burden and fiscal deficit, which critics have flagged as a structural challenge for the state. The RDG withdrawal has forced the Sukhu government to prioritise spending carefully, making these infrastructure announcements a notable signal of intent.

Broader Implications and What Comes Next

The natural farming push in Himachal Pradesh aligns with a national trend, as several states including Andhra Pradesh and Uttarakhand have piloted large-scale natural farming programmes with mixed results. Himachal's certification of nearly 1.98 lakh farmers and its claim of offering the country's highest MSP for natural produce positions it as a potential model — though independent verification of these outcomes remains important for long-term credibility.

With the state's agricultural university now receiving fresh infrastructure investment, and women's hostel capacity being expanded across multiple campuses, the government appears to be building an institutional foundation to sustain this shift. Stakeholders will watch closely whether these commitments translate into measurable improvements in farmer incomes and soil health in the coming agricultural seasons.