Context:

• Himachal Pradesh, a state known for its diverse agricultural landscape and rich biodiversity, has embarked on a transformative journey towards sustainable agriculture through the promotion of natural farming methods.

Key Points:

• This initiative, which mandates all government farms to transition to natural farming, is a significant step in promoting chemical-free agricultural practices across the state. The policy is not merely a response to environmental concerns but is also a strategic move aimed at enhancing the livelihoods of farmers and ensuring the long-term sustainability of agricultural practices.

Objectives:

The impetus behind Himachal Pradesh's push for natural farming is anchored in several critical objectives:

• Sustainable agricultural practices: The primary goal is to reduce the dependence on chemical inputs, which have been linked to soil degradation, water pollution, and health hazards. By promoting natural farming, the state aims to restore ecological balance and enhance soil fertility.
   
• Cost reduction: The financial burden of chemical fertilizers and pesticides can be overwhelming for farmers. Natural farming techniques, which rely on organic inputs and indigenous practices, are designed to lower cultivation expenses, making farming more economically viable.
   
• Environmental conservation: The initiative emphasizes climate-resilient farming techniques that can withstand the impacts of climate change. By adopting practices such as crop rotation, intercropping, and organic composting, farmers can contribute to environmental conservation.
   
• Economic empowerment: By enhancing farmer income through alternative agricultural methods, the state aims to empower its agricultural community. Natural farming not only reduces costs but also opens up new markets for organic produce, potentially increasing farmers' earnings.

Implementation Strategy: Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana (PK3Y)

The Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana (PK3Y) serves as the cornerstone of Himachal Pradesh's natural farming initiative. The scheme encompasses several key features:

• Comprehensive coverage: The PK3Y addresses a wide range of agricultural practices, ensuring that farmers receive holistic support in their transition to natural farming.
   
• Focus on Zero-Budget natural farming: This approach emphasizes minimizing costs by utilizing local resources and traditional knowledge, thereby reducing the financial burden on farmers.
   
• Promotion of indigenous farming techniques: The scheme encourages the revival of traditional farming practices that are well-suited to the local environment, fostering biodiversity and resilience.
   
• Extensive farmer support and capacity building: The government has implemented training programs and workshops to equip farmers with the necessary skills and knowledge to adopt natural farming methods effectively.

Scope and achievements

The implementation of the natural farming initiative has yielded promising results:

• Adoption rates: Over 1.65 lakh farmers have embraced natural farming techniques, demonstrating a significant shift in agricultural practices across the state.
   
• Geographical reach: The initiative has successfully reached 99.3% of state panchayats, indicating widespread acceptance and participation.
   
• Land under natural farming: Currently, 19,915 hectares are under natural farming, with a target to bring an additional 50,000 bigha of land under these practices in the 2023-24 fiscal year.

Financial and institutional support

To facilitate the transition to natural farming, the Himachal Pradesh government provides substantial financial assistance to farmers: