Tag: Farmers

  • BBMB chief engineer Bijender Singh Nara highlights BSL project’s role in nation-building

    BBMB chief engineer Bijender Singh Nara highlights BSL project’s role in nation-building

    Sundernagar, August 15: The 80th Independence Day was celebrated with patriotic fervour at the BSL Senior Secondary School premises in Sundernagar on Saturday, with BBMB Member (Irrigation) and Chief Engineer, BSL Project, Bijender Singh Nara stressing the project’s contribution to irrigation, power generation and national development.

    Nara, who was the chief guest, unfurled the national flag and took the salute at the march-past. NCC cadets and NSS volunteers from schools associated with the BSL project participated in the parade, while students presented a series of patriotic cultural performances.

    Addressing the gathering, Nara paid tribute to the freedom fighters and martyrs of India’s independence movement and remembered the contributions of Mahatma Gandhi, Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Rajguru, Chandrashekhar Azad, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Rani Lakshmibai, Tatya Tope, Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqulla Khan, Khudiram Bose and Lala Lajpat Rai, among others.

    Highlighting the role of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) and the BSL Project in nation-building, Nara said the Sundernagar-based project was an important example of how water resources could support agriculture, drinking water supply and power generation.

    He said the project links the waters of the Beas river with the Sutlej system and contributes to irrigation and hydropower generation. Projects under BBMB, including the Dehar Power House, play an important role in strengthening the country’s energy security and agricultural productivity, he said.

    “Delivering water to the fields of millions of farmers in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh and generating electricity on a large scale is true national service,” Nara said.

    Appreciating BBMB chairman Manoj Tripathi’s leadership, Nara emphasised efficient water-resource management, environmental protection, scientific silt management and the adoption of modern technologies. He also lauded the dedication and hard work of BBMB officers and employees.

    Addressing students and youth, Nara said the responsibility of safeguarding the country’s freedom now rested with the younger generation. He urged them to focus on knowledge, innovation, discipline, integrity, cleanliness and environmental conservation, stressing that every small contribution can play a significant role in nation-building.

    He reiterated the project’s commitment to optimum utilisation of water resources, clean energy generation and timely fulfilment of the requirements of partner states. He said BBMB would continue to contribute towards the goal of a self-reliant India.

    The chief guest also distributed gifts to students who participated in the cultural programme and march-past.

    Superintending Engineer, Circle No. 2, Harjot Singh Walia, executive engineers Gulshan Mann, Manpreet Singh Gill, DK Verma, Dinesh Kumar Yadav and Chandra Mohan, PRO Avtar Singh Dhaliwal, APRO Ashok Shukla, other BBMB officials and employees, and a large number of local residents were present at the programme.

    The event concluded with patriotic slogans of “Vande Mataram”, “Jai Hind” and “Jai Bharat”.

  • State government determined to strengthen economy of farmers

    State government determined to strengthen economy of farmers

     

     

    · State residue testing laboratory to ensure quality certification of natural produce

     

    Agriculture and allied sectors play an important role in the economy of the state. Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the state has adopted a farmer-centric approach that is transforming agriculture while strengthening the rural economy. Backed by progressive policies and targeted initiatives, natural farming is emerging as a sustainable model, improving farmers’ incomes, conserving soil health and creating new market opportunities.

     

    Around three years back, Himachal Pradesh became the first state in the country offering Minimum Support Price (MSP) for the naturally grown crops. Subsequently, the state government has increased the MSP every year to support the agriculturists practicing natural farming. At present, the government is providing an MSP of Rs. 80 per kilogram on wheat, Rs. 50 per kilogram on maize, Rs. 150 per kilogram on raw turmeric and Rs. 30 per kilogram on ginger. The government has also declared Pangi Valley of District Chamba a natural farming sub-division. It is the state’s first Natural Farming Sub-Division. An MSP of Rs. 80 per kilogram is being provided on Barley grown in this valley. These incentives have significantly boosted farmers’ confidence in adopting environmentally sustainable agricultural practices.

     

    The growing acceptance of natural farming is reflected through the government’s procurement centres. While 838 farmers sold 2,123.58 quintals of naturally grown wheat during the 2024-25 financial year, procurement in the current Rabi season rose to 2,679.89 quintals from 1,891 farmers. To ensure hassle-free procurement, the government has established procurement and marketing centres across all districts, making it easier for farmers to sell their produce at assured prices.

     

    The state government is also focusing on promoting the unique agricultural products of Himachal, especially products of tribal regions. Declaring Pangi as the state’s first Natural Farming Sub-Division is providing a major boost to traditional farming practices while strengthening food security as well. During the previous Kharif season, farmers from the Hudan, Sural, Killar, Sanch and Senchu Panchayats of District Chamba successfully marketed their naturally grown barley at remunerative prices.

     

    The government’s commitment extends to remote regions as well. During the Chief Minister’s recent visit to Bara Bhangal, he directed officials to provide comprehensive support for natural farming and instructed them to develop the area as a Natural Farming Panchayat. He also called for efforts to secure a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for the region’s renowned Rajmah, a move expected to enhance its market value and international recognition.

     

    Presently 2,56,870 farmers have adopted natural farming practices in 44784.73 hectares of land. With increasing participation from farmers, the Agriculture department is working towards establishing a dedicated Marketing Wing to improve branding, marketing and market access for natural farming products.

     

    The state government is working towards sustainable development of agriculture and allied sectors. In view of these innovative measures as well as use of advanced technology is being ensured. The government is ensuring that new technologies being developed in the labs are made available to the farmers to benefit them at large.

     

    To strengthen quality assurance and consumer confidence, the state government is establishing a State Residue Testing Laboratory in Hamirpur at an investment of Rs 8.64 crore. Equipped with advanced analytical instruments, the laboratory will scientifically test agricultural produce, particularly products cultivated through natural farming. It will verify the quality, authenticity and purity of natural produce while also facilitating seed testing for farmers.

     

    By promoting zero budget natural farming, the state government is encouraging an agricultural system that protects both public health and soil fertility. Through sustained policy support, assured markets and scientific infrastructure, Himachal Pradesh is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable agriculture. Under the leadership of Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the state’s natural farming model is setting new benchmarks for the national mission on natural farming, demonstrating how environmentally responsible farming can simultaneously strengthen rural livelihoods and economic resilience.

  • JICA-India Chief Inaugurates India-Japan Knowledge Centre and Model Agricultural Farm in Solan

    JICA-India Chief Inaugurates India-Japan Knowledge Centre and Model Agricultural Farm in Solan

    Kisan Cluster Mela draws over 300 farmers; Himachal youth to get agriculture training opportunities in Japan

    Solan, June 9: In a significant step towards strengthening India-Japan cooperation in agriculture, JICA-India Head Takeuchi Takuro inaugurated the India-Japan Knowledge Centre and Model Agricultural Farm at the Vegetable Development Centre in Barati, Solan.

    A Kisan Cluster Mela was also organized on the occasion, attracting participation from more than 300 farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), self-help groups and agriculture stakeholders from Solan, Shimla and Sirmaur districts.

    During the event, the infrastructure of three irrigation sub-projects developed under the Himachal Pradesh Fruit Diversification Project-II was formally handed over to the respective Farmers Development Associations.

    The JICA-India delegation is currently on a three-day visit to Himachal Pradesh to review innovative initiatives being implemented in Solan, Palampur and Dharamshala under the Himachal Pradesh Crop Diversification Promotion Project-II.

    Speaking on the occasion, Takeuchi Takuro emphasized the need to further strengthen India-Japan collaboration in agriculture. He appreciated the project’s contribution towards increasing farmers’ incomes, promoting modern agricultural technologies and encouraging climate-resilient farming practices.

    Project Director Dr. Sunil Chauhan announced an innovative initiative under the JICA-supported project through which young farmers from Himachal Pradesh will receive employment-oriented agricultural training opportunities in Japan. He said selected participants will first undergo training in the Japanese language, culture and work practices before being sent abroad. In the initial phase, around 150 youth are proposed to be trained.

    A major attraction of the event was the inauguration of a high-tech polyhouse farming system established under the Himachal Smart Farming Project at the Barati farm. Developed through a blend of Japanese technology and Indian innovation, the facility is expected to play a key role in advancing protected cultivation and modern horticulture in the state.

    The programme also featured a presentation on the concept of developing a Matcha Industry in India. The proposed initiative aims to promote the production and processing of premium green tea and matcha by utilizing the favourable climatic conditions of Himachal Pradesh, particularly in tea-growing regions such as Kangra.

    The JICA delegation also held discussions with M-2-Labo, the organization responsible for setting up the high-tech polyhouse system. Agricultural scientists and experts visited the model farm and exhibition stalls showcasing advanced farming technologies, natural farming practices, value-added products and innovations by FPOs and self-help groups.

    Progressive farmers and representatives of FPOs shared their success stories and experiences during the event. Outstanding contributors in the fields of agriculture, horticulture and community development were also honoured.

    District Project Manager Dr. Rajendra Singh Thakur expressed gratitude to all participants and dignitaries for making the event a success.

    Among those present were Deputy Project Director Dr. Rajesh Kumar, SPMU Subject Matter Experts Dr. Ashish Anand and Dr. Rakesh Sharma, Project Management Consultancy experts Sushil Kumar Sharma and Sudarshan Suryavanshi, Deputy Director Agriculture Dr. Dev Raj Kashyap, and other officials.

    The JICA-India mission team included Senior Representative Sota Koide, Representative Taiko Iwamoto, and Development Specialist Nishtha Vengurlekar.

  • KVK Kinnaur Launches Month-Long ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ across 42 Locations

    KVK Kinnaur Launches Month-Long ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ across 42 Locations

    SOLAN JUNE 4

    Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Kinnaur, under the aegis of Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, has launched a month-long district-wide awareness campaign, ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan-2026’, aimed at promoting sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. The campaign is part of a nationwide initiative being implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), and will continue until June 30.

    The campaign was formally launched from the high-altitude villages of Nako and Spillow in Pooh block, reflecting the commitment to reaching even the remotest farming communities with scientific and sustainable agricultural practices.

    Dr. Pramod Sharma, Associate Director (Research) and Head, KVK Kinnaur, along with Dr. Shamsher Singh, Deputy Director of Horticulture, and Dr. Ramesh Lal, Project Director, ATMA, constituted two multidisciplinary teams comprising KVK scientists Dr. DP Bhandari (Plant Pathologist), Dr. Arun Kumar (Fruit Scientist), Dr. Budhi Ram (Entomologist), and Dr. Deepika (Fruit Scientist), along with officials from the Departments of Horticulture and Agriculture (ATMA).

    Dr. Sharma informed that the campaign will cover 42 locations across the three development blocks of Kinnaur district. Through training programmes, farmer-scientist interactions, field demonstrations and awareness activities, the campaign seeks to disseminate scientific recommendations and encourage the adoption of sustainable farming practices among farmers in far-flung areas of the district.

    During the first phase of the campaign, awareness programmes, group discussions and field demonstrations were organized in Nako and Spillow villages. Farmers were sensitized about the adverse effects of indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers and the importance of soil test-based nutrient management. Scientists highlighted the benefits of natural farming, integrated nutrient management and eco-friendly agricultural technologies for maintaining soil health, enhancing productivity and improving farm profitability.

    Dr. D.P. Sharma, Director of Extension Education of the University, said that the campaign represents an important step towards promoting sustainable mountain agriculture by integrating scientific knowledge with environmental conservation and farmer welfare. He added that similar month-long awareness and outreach programmes under the ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan-2026’ have also been initiated by the University’s Krishi Vigyan Kendras at Solan, Shimla, Chamba and Tabo.

    The campaign is expected to create greater awareness among farmers about sustainable agricultural practices and contribute towards long-term soil health, environmental sustainability and enhanced livelihood security in the Himalayan region.

  • CSIR-IHBT Giving New Direction to Himalayan Economy: Suresh Kashyap

    CSIR-IHBT Giving New Direction to Himalayan Economy: Suresh Kashyap

    MP Says Institute Driving Self-Reliant Himachal Through Research, Startups and Organic Innovation

    Shimla, May 29: Former Himachal BJP president and MP Suresh Kashyap has hailed the work of CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, saying the institute has the potential to transform not only Himachal Pradesh’s economy but that of the entire Himalayan region.

    Welcoming the visit of Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh to the institute in Palampur, Kashyap said the minister’s appreciation of IHBT’s scientific achievements, startup ecosystem, indigenous product development and research initiatives reflects the Centre’s commitment to science-driven development in Himalayan states.

    He said that under the leadership of Narendra Modi, India is making rapid progress in science, research and innovation, with institutions like IHBT emerging as key drivers of change by converting local resources into global opportunities.

    Kashyap highlighted IHBT’s contributions through initiatives such as the Aroma Mission, floriculture, medicinal and aromatic plant cultivation, biotechnology and agriculture-based research. He said these efforts are creating new opportunities for farmers, horticulturists and youth while promoting entrepreneurship and self-employment.

    Describing the signing of 12 technology transfer agreements as a major achievement, he said the move would help transfer laboratory innovations directly to industries, farmers and citizens, supporting the vision of “Lab to Land” and “Lab to Market.”

    The BJP leader said Himachal Pradesh possesses immense natural and biological resources and that stronger collaboration between scientific institutions and industry would significantly boost the state’s economy. He added that the research being undertaken at IHBT would emerge as a strong pillar of the Himalayan economy in the years ahead.

    Congratulating Dr. Jitendra Singh, CSIR and IHBT scientists, Kashyap said that with continued support from the Central Government, Himachal Pradesh is strengthening its position among the country’s leading states in science, research, organic farming, startups and innovation.

  • CPI(M) Flexes Strength in Delhi: Massive Workers’–Farmers’ Rally Announces Nationwide Protest Against Modi Government Policies

    CPI(M) Flexes Strength in Delhi: Massive Workers’–Farmers’ Rally Announces Nationwide Protest Against Modi Government Policies

     

    New Delhi

    Thousands of workers and farmers from North and Central India converged in the national capital on Tuesday as the Communist Party of India (Marxist) held a massive “Jan Aakrosh Rally”. A significant turnout was witnessed from Himachal Pradesh, with participants arriving from all districts.

    The rally was led by the party’s central leadership, with Polit Bureau members addressing the gathering. State leaders also joined in, making it a coordinated show of strength against the Centre.

    CPI(M) leaders launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led Modi government, accusing it of pursuing “communal and pro-corporate policies.” They alleged that while large corporate houses are being given massive financial concessions, workers and farmers are being burdened with anti-people laws, deepening exploitation and aggravating the agrarian crisis.

    The rally concluded with a call for intensified nationwide struggle to mobilize the working class and farming community against what the party termed as “neo-liberal and anti-people policies” of the Centre.

    Key Demands Raised:

    Repeal the four Labour Codes

    Scrap the India–US trade deal

    Restore MGNREGA and withdraw V.B. Gram Yojana

    Roll back Electricity Amendment Bill, 2025

    Stop installation of smart meters

    Guarantee minimum 5 bigha land rights to farmers

    Implement declared Minimum Support Price (MSP) for milk

    Provide land in exchange for land to disaster-affected families

    Restore Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG)

    State Secretary Sanjay Chauhan stated that the party will continue its struggle until the government rolls back these policies.

  • L.R. Group Students Visit India’s First Women-Centric FPO

    L.R. Group Students Visit India’s First Women-Centric FPO

    Solan

    The L.R. Group of Institutes, Solan, organized an educational tour to Solan Natural Farmers Producer Company Pvt. Ltd., located in Subathu. Solan Natural Farmers Producer Company Pvt. Ltd., established on August 16, 2022, is India’s first women-centric farmer producer company dedicated to promoting natural farming.

     

    *Objective of the Program*

    The program aimed to introduce students to the leadership and entrepreneurship stories of women farmers, who now serve on the company’s board of directors and play leadership roles.

     

    *Story of Women Farmers*

    During the program, students interacted with women farmers and closely understood their struggles, leadership skills, and self-reliance. These women included Mamta Verma, Urmila Verma, Manju, Bharti Thakur, and Vandana Thakur, who are members of the company’s board of directors.

     

    *Honor and Inspiration*

    On this occasion, the L.R. Group of Institutes also honored these inspiring women farmers. Ms. Shachi Singh, Honorary Managing Director of the L.R. Group of Institutes, said, “International Women’s Day reminds us that women have the power to lead and transform every field. The women farmers of Solan Natural Farmers Producer Company are an inspiring example of how, through organized efforts, women can not only become self-reliant but also strengthen society and the economy.”

    Ranjodh Singh Dhillon, Chief Executive Officer of Solan Natural Farmers Producer Company Pvt. Ltd., stated that the company currently operates with the support of 102 member farmers and is dedicated to promoting natural farming.

  • Agri. Deptt. procures 140 quintals of Barley from Pangi

    Agri. Deptt. procures 140 quintals of Barley from Pangi

     

     

    Sets target for maize and turmeric

     

    Fulfilling the commitment, under the directive of the Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the State Government has started the procurement of naturally grown barely in Pangi Sub Division of Chamba district. A Spokesman of the State Government said that the Government has procured 140 quintals of naturally grown barley on Rs. 60 per kilogram from 59 farmers in Pangi Sub Division during current kharif season so far. He said that 20 quintals of barely was purchased from 11 farmers of gram panchayat Hudaan, 78 quintals from 24 farmers of gram panchayat Suraal, 9 quintals from 7 farmers of gram panchayat Killar, 10 quintals from 7 farmers of gram panchayat Saach and 23 quintals from 10 farmers of Sechu gram panchayat.

     

    He said that the Government is promoting natural farming in the State to ensure chemical free products to the people and providing support price to the crops grown naturally. He said that this initiative of the Government was motivating the farmers to adopt natural farming to strengthen their economy. He said that 90 percent of the population of the State live in rural areas and the Government was making policies to strengthen the economy of the rural folk.

     

    He said that during the Himachal Day function at Pangi in Chamba district, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced Pangi as the first naturally farming Sub Division of the State to promote natural farming in the area and farmers were coming forward to grow the natural crops. He said that the State Government has estimated to procure 2371.71 quintals of maize to be procured from 1473 farmers during the current kharif season for which 28 collection centres will be established across the State. He said that the Agriculture department is also gearing up to procure raw turmeric from the farmers. He said that 2422.65 quintals of naturally grown raw turmeric will also be procured from 1629 farmers through 12 collection centres.

     

    He said that the government was providing support price of Rs. 60 per kilogram each on wheat and barley, Rs. 40 per kilogram on maize and Rs. 90 per kilogram on raw turmeric grown naturally. He said that this step of the Government was ensuring remunerative prices to the farmers thereby strengthening their economy.

     

    He said that the efforts of the Government were yielding positive outcomes to encourage the farmers to adopt natural farming in the State and strengthen their economy. He said that this initiative was not only ensuring livelihood to the local people but also improving their living standards.

  • State government is committed to strengthen the economy of farmers and livestock farmers – Sanjay Awasthi

    State government is committed to strengthen the economy of farmers and livestock farmers – Sanjay Awasthi

     

    Inauguration of 1.55 crores done in Gram Panchayat Diggal and Badhokhari

     

    Arki MLA Sanjay Awasthi said that the state government is implementing new schemes at the rural level to strengthen the economy of farmers and livestock farmers. Sanjay Awasthi was addressing the gathering present in the ‘MLA Aapke Dwar Program’ in Diggal village panchayat of Arki assembly constituency today.

    Earlier, Sanjay Awasthi inaugurated the ‘Chambe-ki-baay’ link road constructed at a cost of Rs 31.41 lakh in Village Panchayat Diggal, village Devraja Pandal link road constructed at a cost of Rs 12.16 lakh in Village Panchayat Diggal, Bhalasi link road constructed at a cost of Rs 32.17 lakh, Harijan Basti Baned to Diggal Dharmana link road constructed at a cost of Rs 54.55 lakh and Ayushman Arogya Mandir constructed at a cost of Rs 24.85 lakh in Pandal village of Village Panchayat Badhokhari. He also laid the foundation stone of a playground to be constructed in Diggal at a cost of Rs 15 lakh.

    The MLA said that under the sensitive leadership of Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, positive initiatives have been taken to increase the income of farmers and cattle rearers. He said that the minimum support price of wheat, maize and turmeric has been increased to strengthen the economy of farmers and cattle rearers. The minimum support price of cow milk has been increased from Rs 45 to Rs 51 per liter and the price of buffalo milk has been increased from Rs 55 to Rs 61 per liter. This will benefit farmers and cattle rearers extensively.

    He said that various schemes have been started by the government for the development of every person in the state. Dr. Y.S. Parmar Student Loan Scheme is also one such scheme. Under this scheme, education loan up to Rs 20 lakh is being made available for higher education at one percent interest rate. This scheme provides an opportunity to meritorious students to reach the highest level. He asked the officials to ensure that information about this scheme reaches the eligible students.

    Sanjay Awasthi said that schemes worth 9 crore 98 lakh 46 thousand rupees have been approved under National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) in Arki assembly constituency. In this, about 1.76 crore rupees have been approved for the lift irrigation scheme in Saloog Bughar, about 3.37 crore rupees for the lift irrigation scheme in Khateta Jodi village of Gram Panchayat Maan and about 4.84 crore rupees for the lift drinking water scheme in Chamdar village of Ramshahr tehsil.

    The MLA said that about Rs. 1.24 crore has been sanctioned for the lift irrigation scheme from Jaged to the nearby villages, Rs. 66.91 lakh for providing irrigation facility in Ukhoo and Dabhrota, Rs. 21.33 lakh for providing irrigation facility in Kyari Kusri, SC Basti and Bhayukhari village and about Rs. 2.59 crore has been sanctioned for the lift drinking water scheme in Gram Panchayat Manlog Kalan and nearby villages. With this, people will soon start getting drinking water and irrigation facilities.

    He said that under NABARD, the work of maintenance of lift irrigation scheme in Okhu village of Gram Panchayat Lag Da Ghat worth about Rs. 1.96 crore and lift irrigation scheme in Manlog Kalan worth about Rs. 1.35 crore has been completed.

    Sanjay Awasthi said that to ensure better health facilities in Diggal, a doctor would be recruited in the Community Health Centre.

    He announced to give an amount of Rs. 2 lakh for the maintenance of the community hall constructed in Kamal. He also announced to give Rs. 1.25 lakh for the construction of the connecting road from Diggal to Pipluwala village and Rs. 2 lakh for the construction of a water tank and shed at Mokshadham in Jabal.

    On this occasion, Sanjay Awasthi planted an Amla tree under the tree plantation program at the Government Senior Secondary School, Diggal and appealed to everyone to plant trees.

    Het Singh, a resident of Kamal village and his wife Rameshwari Devi presented a cheque of Rs 50 thousand to the MLA for the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.

    On this occasion, he listened to the problems of the people and directed the officials to resolve them quickly.

    Pradhan of Gram Panchayat Diggal Pawan Kaushal, Pradhan of Gram Panchayat Chamdar Karam Chand, Pradhan of Gram Panchayat Maan Surendra Kumar, Deputy Pradhan of Gram Panchayat Pandal Ranjeet Singh, former Deputy Pradhan of Gram Panchayat Diggal Prem Das, Ward Member of Gram Panchayat Diggal Rita Devi, President of Youth Congress Arki Satish Kumar Vicky, Congress Party’s Ramesh Thakur, Het Ram, Sunny Sahota, Jwala Das, Pratap Singh, Sanjeev, Ravi Kaushal, Ajay Kaushal, Dinesh Sharma, Anoop Sharma, Member of Mahila Mandal Luna, Sub Divisional Magistrate Nalagarh Raj Kumar, Deputy Director Animal Husbandry Department Dr Vivek Lamba, District AYUSH Officer Dr Nisha Sharma, District Sports Officer Bhupendra Verma, Block Development Officer Nalagarh Neon Dhairya Sharma, Executive Engineer of State Electricity Board Devendra Kumar, Executive Engineer of Public Works Department Nalagarh Parbar Singh, Assistant Engineer of Public Works Department Nalagarh Ishwar Chand Sharma, Tehsildar Ramshahr Rajendra Thakur, Principal of Government Senior Secondary School Diggal Kulwant Singh, representatives of various departments Senior officers of the Department of Agriculture, other dignitaries and villagers were present on the occasion.

  • Himachal becomes first state to waive 50% interest on agricultural loans

    Himachal becomes first state to waive 50% interest on agricultural loans

    . Chief Minister Thakur Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu was praised in the national meeting: Sanjay Chauhan*
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    *In the national meeting, the merger and closure of cooperative banks was opposed, and the Center was requested to reconsider: Sanjay Chauhan
    ,
    Today, the 179th meeting of the Governing Board of the National Cooperative Agriculture and Rural Development Committee was held in Delhi in which directors of cooperative societies, chairmen and senior officials of banks from all over the country were present! In this meeting, the hosts presented their views on agriculture and rural development cooperation! On this occasion, Sanjay Singh Chauhan, Chairman, Himachal Pradesh Agriculture and Rural Development Bank, put forward many suggestions for the upliftment of cooperation in the form of his views, which were appreciated by all the dignitaries! Chauhan said that Himachal is the only state in which 50% discount has been given on interest on agricultural loans up to Rs 3 lakh and the credit for this goes to the Honorable Chief Minister Thakur Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, who made this provision available for the benefit of farmers so that farmers can stand on their own feet and become self-reliant!
    Sanjay Singh Chauhan also said that apart from other banks, farmers trust only cooperative banks and cooperative societies and most of the farmers take loans from cooperatives and also repay them on time! It is also true that many times due to bad weather and water shortage, the yield is not sufficient and in case of loss, additional pressure comes on them and they get into debt but it becomes the responsibility of the cooperative society or the bank to get them out of this situation!