Plans reviewed in the progress review meeting of the Agriculture Department, instructions to the officials for timely implementation
Shimla
A progress review meeting of the Agriculture Department was held today under the chairmanship of Himachal Pradesh Agriculture Minister Prof. Chandra Kumar. The meeting reviewed the progress of departmental schemes, the Himachal Pradesh Crop Diversification Promotion Project Phase-II (JICA), and various schemes and programs related to natural farming. The Agriculture Minister placed special emphasis on increasing farmers’ income, encouraging natural farming, promoting modern agricultural techniques, and effective marketing of agricultural products.
The Agriculture Minister stated that ensuring effective implementation of schemes aimed at benefiting farmers is a priority for the government. He directed officials to ensure that the benefits of the Agriculture Department’s services reach eligible farmers in a timely manner. He visited the recently established Farmer Helpline Center to review its functioning and directed its widespread publicity.
He informed that under the AgriStack project, Rs 140 crore has been received from the Central Government in the year 2025-26 and the department has become eligible to receive Rs 400 crore in the current year.
Second installment of Rs 64.82 crore released under agriculture schemes
At the meeting, Agriculture Director Dr. Ravindra Singh Jasrotia provided information about the department’s various schemes and achievements. He expressed gratitude to the Agriculture Minister for releasing the second installment of Rs. 28.31 crore under the National Agricultural Development Scheme (RKVY) and Rs. 36.51 crore under the Agricultural Advancement Scheme (KY).
Natural farming and turmeric production will get a boost
The meeting also reviewed the progress of turmeric production under natural farming. Through the JICA project, turmeric produced through natural farming is being promoted in Hamirpur, Palampur, Solan, and Mandi areas. The Agriculture Minister emphasized the need to provide technical guidance to farmers involved in natural farming and to strengthen the quality, certification, and marketing systems of turmeric products.He said that efforts should be made to increase farmers’ income, preserve traditional agricultural practices and encourage crop diversification by showcasing local and traditional crops and promoting turmeric cultivation.
306 sub-projects will be operated under the JICA project
Under the Himachal Pradesh Crop Diversification Promotion Project Phase II, a total of 306 sub-projects will be implemented in the state. So far, 174 sub-projects have been constructed, providing irrigation facilities to 4,462.16 hectares. Crop diversification has been promoted through vegetable cultivation on an area of 1,323.80 hectares.Under the project, 10 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) have been formed and 238 self-help groups have been established. Against a total financial provision of ₹1,010.60 crore, including eligible and non-eligible components, ₹348.26 crore has been spent.The Agriculture Minister directed the officials to maintain transparency in financial management, expedite expenditure and reimbursement related processes and complete the approved development works within the stipulated time frame.
Training of agricultural officers in GIS and remote sensing
To promote scientific mapping of agricultural resources and effective use of modern technologies, 50 officers and employees of the Department have been provided training on Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System (GIS) at the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, Dehradun.The meeting also discussed issues such as assistance for the purchase of indigenous cows, lining cow shelters, encouraging turmeric cultivation, and organizing demonstrations of local and traditional crops. The Agriculture Minister also directed the development of better marketing systems for turmeric products.
Improving farmers’ income and livelihood is the government’s priority
Agriculture Minister Prof. Chandra Kumar said that to strengthen the state’s agricultural economy, it is essential to connect farmers with modern technology, better irrigation facilities, diversified crop production, natural farming, and a strong marketing system. He directed officials to ensure effective implementation of departmental schemes and establish better communication with farmers, so that their productivity, income, and livelihoods can be continuously improved.
