In a bid to encourage eco-friendly agriculture, the Agriculture Department of Himachal Pradesh introduced a ‘Mobile Van Program’ as part of the ‘Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana’ in Shimla on Friday. C. Paulrasu, the Secretary of the Agriculture Department in Himachal Pradesh, inaugurated this environmentally conscious initiative in the state capital. The program’s objective is to promote organic and chemical-free farming practices and facilitate the direct delivery of fresh, organic produce to consumers’ doorsteps.
The government of Himachal Pradesh launched the “Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana” as part of its commitment to encouraging organic farming practices in the region. The core objective of this initiative is to motivate farmers to embrace natural farming techniques by providing them with a financial subsidy amounting to Rs. 50,000. In the subsequent sections of this article, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana, outlining its key features and benefits.
What is Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana?
On May 14, 2018, the Himachal Pradesh government initiated the Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana. Notably, this program was implemented in the very first budget by Honorable Chief Minister Shri Jairam Thakur, incorporating the Subhash Palekar Natural Farming methodology to reduce the use of chemicals in both agriculture and horticulture.
With an initial allocation of Rs 25 crore, the scheme’s primary objectives encompass reducing farming costs, increasing farmers’ income, and promoting the overall well-being and prosperity of both farmers and horticulturists. It has set the course for safeguarding human health and the environment from the adverse consequences of chemical-based farming while aligning agricultural practices with environmental sustainability and the changing climate.
The scheme will encompass initiatives conducted by the department to support organic farming, including Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), Pramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), or any other related natural farming programs.
| Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana 2023 Key Highlights | |
| Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana Launch Date | May 14, 2018 |
| Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana Official Website | Click Here |
| Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana Objective | To motivate farmers to embrace natural farming techniques |
| Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana Subsidy Amount | Rs 50,000 |
| Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana TYPE OF FARMING | Zero Budget Natural Farming [ZBNF] |
| Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana Website launch date | October 2022 |
| Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana Helpline Number | +911772830767 |
Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana in News | What’s New?
On September 15, 2023, C. Paulrasu, the Secretary of Himachal Pradesh’s Agriculture Department, unveiled an environmentally friendly vehicle designed to endorse organic and chemical-free farming methods. The vehicle’s primary goal is to facilitate the direct delivery of fresh, organic produce to consumers’ homes.
- Over 89,000 natural farming farmers from Himachal Pradesh have already registered under this scheme.
- A pilot outlet in Shimla has been opened to provide natural farming products to urban consumers year-round.
- Retail outlets in Namhol and Bilaspur, in collaboration with Kamdhenu Hitkari Sanstha, have also been established.
- Natural farmers across the state are selling their products at their own prices, with canopies provided for effective marketing.
- Mobile vans will soon enable the availability of natural farming products to urban consumers.
- Efforts are underway to create farmer product enterprises to market goods produced through natural farming.
- Initial research from Management Hyderabad and the Academy of Management Lucknow has shown that natural farming is financially beneficial for farmers.
- The Himachal Government aims to establish Himachal Pradesh as a ‘Natural Farming State’ by involving all 9,61,000 farmers in the ‘Subhash Palekar Natural Farming’ (SPNF) method.
- The Agriculture Department launched a van to promote organic and natural farming, stationed at the Secretariat, and scheduled for visits to Summerhill to encourage healthy eating and farming practices.
What is Natural Farming?
Natural farming is an agricultural approach that promotes chemical-free practices and encourages the use of resources like cow dung, urine, and local plants. This eco-friendly farming method aims to enhance crop yield while reducing production costs and dependency on external markets.
It emphasizes four key principles: seed treatment with microorganisms (Bijamrit), using organic alternatives to manure (Jeevamrit and Ghanjeevamrit), covering the soil with crop residue (Achchadan), and retaining moisture and air in the soil (Vafsa). Let’s Understand about it in brief
Jeevamrit
Jeevamrit is a natural farming solution made from cow dung, Indian breed urine, jaggery, pulse flour, and local uncontaminated soil. Unlike conventional farming, it doesn’t act as fertilizer but as a bio-fermenter. It boosts beneficial microorganisms, earthworms, and nutrient availability, protecting plants and increasing organic carbon in the soil.
Bijamrit
Bijamrit, made from desi cow dung, urine, and slaked lime, is applied to seeds and plant roots, forming a protective microorganism-based coating. This helps safeguard new roots from diseases, and it also enhances seed germination unexpectedly.
Cover Up or Achchadan
To retain soil moisture, cover its top layer with crops or crop residues. This boosts humus, safeguards the soil surface, increases water retention, enhances microorganisms and nutrients for plants, and controls weed growth.
Vafsa
Vapsa, or airflow within the soil, occurs when you apply and cover the land with Jeevamrit. This process enhances soil structure, accelerates humus formation, and initiates effective water management. As a result, crops thrive in both heavy rainfall and drought conditions.
Natural farming also focuses on crop diversification and intercropping with pulse crops to maintain soil nitrogen levels. Employing inputs derived from cow dung and urine, enhances soil water retention and boosts earthworm populations, ultimately revitalizing land fertility. Additionally, it employs garlic, green chilies, and local plants to protect crops from diseases.
Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana Objective
The Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana has the following objectives.
- To reduce the expenses associated with farming and establish natural farming as a viable and sustainable means of livelihood.
- To increase crop yields and secure improved market prices for agricultural products.
- To educate the farming community about the principles and practices of natural farming.
- To minimize the reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides in agricultural activities.
Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana Eligibility Criteria
Farmers who reside in the state of Himachal Pradesh meet the eligibility requirements for participation in the Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana.
Guidelines for Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana PDF
Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana Duration
“The ‘Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana’ is a five-year initiative aimed at ensuring the holistic wellbeing and prosperity of farmers and horticulturists. This scheme is designed to reduce farming expenses, enhance income, and safeguard individuals from the adverse consequences of chemical-based agriculture on both human health and the environment. Furthermore, it paves the way for agriculture practices that are adaptable to environmental conditions and the changing climate.
Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana Incentive for Farmers
The Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana provides various incentives to farmers, including:
1. Financial Assistance: Farmers in the cluster receive support for setting up infrastructure for zerobudget natural farming inputs. The specific amount is determined by the State based on proposals submitted by the State’s zero budget natural farming unit.
2. Prakritik Kheti Sansadhan Bhandar: Shop owners are given one-time assistance to acquire external inputs, equipment, packaging, containers, drums, and other necessities.
3. Lining of Cattle Sheds: Assistance is provided for lining cattle sheds, with rates and norms decided by the State Zero Budget Natural Farming unit.
4. Pest Control: Farmers receive assistance from the Department of Agriculture for purchasing biopesticides, sticky traps, pheromone traps, and similar pest control methods.
5. Fertility Management: Zerobudget natural farming is gradually implemented, and not all farmers are covered initially. Financial aid is extended to farmers practicing organic farming, using inputs approved by certification bodies.
6. Organic Certification: Assistance is given for organic certification, which is necessary for selling produce in the market. Certified groups of farmers receive support, and new zerobudget natural farming clusters may be considered for certification.
7. Work Plan: Annual work plans are devised at the district level, approved by the State task force on natural farming, and aimed at gradually expanding natural farming across the entire state.
8. Approval of Work Plans and Financial Norms: Proposals for implementing zerobudget natural farming are approved by the State task force, led by the Chief Secretary, and are executed after securing the State Finance Department’s concurrence.
Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana Financial Norms
The Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana includes the following financial norms:
1. Digital Media: Utilization of digital media and the development of digital technology packages for disseminating agricultural knowledge.
2. Farmer Motivators: Selection of a farmer from each group for motivation and technology dissemination, along with another farmer for monitoring and supporting farmers in different groups.
3. Capacity Building of Extension Staff: Providing training to extension workers on zero-budget natural farming, considering it’s a new concept in Himachal Pradesh.
4. Training for Farmers: Eligible farmers will receive training in zero budget natural farming or related natural farming concepts, following ATMA guidelines, at the national, state, and district levels.
5. Mass Awareness Campaign: Organizing awareness programs for farmers, involving experts, to promote natural farming.
6. Kisan Goshthis: Conducting Kisan Goshthis (farmer gatherings) at the district and block levels to encourage and advance natural farming practices.
Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana Assistance to Farmers
Farmers will receive incentives based on the following cost norms:
1. Cattle Shed Lining: Farmers will receive 80% assistance for lining cattle sheds.
2. Drum Provision: Farmers will be given 75% assistance to acquire drums, with a maximum of three drums per individual farmer.
3. ThirdParty Certification: Third-party certification will be adopted to facilitate the marketing of products produced through Zero Budget Natural Farming.
4. Supply Shop Support: Each village’s farmer will receive assistance to establish a supply shop for zero budget natural farming inputs, with maximum support of Rs. 50,000 per shop for three years. Additionally, these farmers will remain eligible for other incentives offered under the scheme.
Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana Latest Data and Certification Details
As of the latest data, approximately 1,71,664 farmer-gardener families have embraced natural farming on either their entire or part of their land. This farming approach has reached 99.3 percent of the state’s panchayats, with over 3,02,000 bighas (24,210 hectares) of land being used for farming and horticulture through this method, as mentioned by Jaslotia.
For the financial year 2023-24, there is a target to expand natural farming to cover 50,000 bighas (20,000 hectares) of land and provide certification to over 80,000 farmers.
Regarding new developments in the plan, Jaslotia explained, “We have introduced a unique self-certification system under the scheme, which conforms to national and international standards recognized globally.” This certification allows easy identification of natural farming farmers selling their products in the market. Importantly, this certification process is entirely free, and farmers do not need annual recertification.
