Shimla Agri Department Plans to Boost Farmers' Income with Organic Farming & Cash Crops

The agriculture department of Shimla has announced plans to increase the income of farmers in the state. The focus of these plans is on setting up exclusive organic models for off-season crops and introducing remunerative cash crops that are suitable for rainfed areas. The aim is to increase the farmers' income and ensure them a monthly return of Rs 35,000.

The state's agriculture minister, Chander Kumar, has stated that farmers have benefited from off-season cash crops like tomato, cucumber, and karela (bitter gourd), which are in great demand in the neighboring states of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh during monsoons. Similarly, off-season crops like cauliflower, potato, and beans fetch good prices during the months of May-June.

Traditional crops like chana (gram) would also be revived. To achieve this goal, the agriculture department will identify clusters of farmers growing different crops and provide need-based aid accordingly. This aid will include financial and non-financial interventions, tools, mechanisms, pesticides, post-harvesting, grading, branding, and other activities. The aim is to fill the gap in technology and other requirements needed for successful farming.

The agriculture department is also planning to buy cow and buffalo milk for Rs 80 and Rs 100 per liter, respectively, and sell the by-products. This is expected to provide additional income to the farmers. The state is proposed to be covered under vegetables, potatoes, and ginger (green), with a production target of 1759 thousand MT, 195 thousand MT, and 34 thousand MT, respectively, for the year 2022-23. The production of vegetables has already surpassed food grains production in the state.

The director of agriculture, B R Takhi, has stated that the department would access the need- based demands of clusters of farmers engaged in the cultivation of different crops so that they could be provided aid accordingly. This approach recognizes that all schemes do not suit people working in specific fields, and therefore it is necessary to identify clusters of farmers engaged in different crops and assess their needs.

The agriculture department of Shimla has taken a comprehensive approach to increase the income of farmers in the state. By identifying clusters of farmers growing different crops and providing need-based aid, the department aims to fill the gap in technology and other requirements needed for successful farming.

The introduction of remunerative cash crops and the revival of traditional crops are also expected to contribute to the farmers' income.