Empowering Himachal's Natural Farmers: Grants and Subsidies Unveiled

Farmers in Himachal Pradesh practicing natural farming will receive grants and subsidies to promote eco-friendly agriculture. Each farmer is eligible for Rs 33,000 to buy a local cow and Rs 8,000 for cowshed flooring. The initiative aims to boost income and ecological conservation.

Himachal Pradesh's farmers embracing natural farming methods are set to receive significant financial aid, with a grant of Rs 33,000 allocated for purchasing a local cow. The scheme, announced by the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), also provides a subsidy of Rs 8,000 to enhance cowshed facilities, as confirmed on Thursday.

At a recent event in Manjhiar village, Neha Bhardwaj, an Assistant Technical Manager at ATMA, emphasized the program's role in discouraging the use of chemical fertilizers and harmful pesticides. She highlighted the health benefits and reduced farming costs associated with crops grown through natural farming techniques.

The initiative additionally encourages the preparation of organic fertilizers and pesticides at home using indigenous cow products. Bhardwaj also introduced local cow breeds and linked the effort to the Rajiv Gandhi StartUp Yojana during a mass sensitization camp, where pea seeds were distributed to farmers.

(With inputs from agencies.)