Shimla
The state government will earn profit by selling maize flour prepared from natural farming. Preparations have started for this. In the first phase, the government will buy Rs 5,000 worth of maize from the farmers. For this, 3,218 certified farmers doing natural farming have been selected across the state.
Generally, the price of maize in the market is 18 to 20 rupees per kg, but the government will buy maize from farmers at the rate of 30 rupees per kg. This is the highest minimum support price given for maize in the country. A maximum of 20 quintals of maize will be purchased from each farmer. In this method, farmers are using other organic components including Jeevamrit, Ghanjeevamrit, Neemastra and Brahmastra without using chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Through this, farmers are earning good profits by producing poison-free produce. After buying maize from farmers, the government will earn profit by branding the flour prepared from it and selling pure flour in one and two kg packing to people.
Under the Prakritik Kheti Khushal Kisan Yojana, the government has started this initiative to promote employment in natural farming. Under this, the government will buy grains from farmers doing natural farming. The natural farming wing of the Agriculture Department will buy from farmers through Civil Supply Corporation. Almost all preparations have been completed for this. 25 purchase centers have been set up in the state. From October 25, the purchase of maize from farmers will be started at these centers. Farmers doing natural farming are now preparing natural produce not only for their needs but also for selling, which is increasing their income.
In all agro-climatic zones, farmers and gardeners are successfully growing various crops and fruits through natural farming. 1,94,285 farmer-gardener families of the state have adopted natural farming. In this, natural farming is being done on 34,342 hectares of land.
Dr. Mohinder Singh Bhavani, Deputy Director, Natural Farming Khushal Kisan Yojana said that apart from Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur, the government will purchase maize from the remaining 10 districts. The process will start on October 25. Maize will be purchased from farmers at higher rates than the market, so that more and more people join natural farming and do chemical-free farming –
