CHAMBA, 27 June 2025: In a major stride towards sustainable and chemical-free agriculture, the remote Pangi Valley in Chamba district is set to become Himachal Pradesh’s first natural farming subdivision.
This landmark initiative aims to promote self-reliance, strengthen the rural economy, and protect the environment through large-scale adoption of natural farming methods.
The Agriculture Department has begun certifying the entire Pangi subdivision under the Participatory Guarantee Scheme (PGS), ensuring that produce from the valley meets strict chemical-free protocols. The certification process, driven by the Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana (PK3Y), includes comprehensive surveys and farmer participation to guarantee transparency and authenticity.
From May 15, 2025, the State Government will procure naturally grown crops at record-breaking Minimum Support Prices (MSPs): INR 60 per kg for wheat, INR 90 per kg for raw turmeric, and INR 60 per kg for barley produced in Pangi. According to Agriculture Secretary C. Paulrasu, these are the highest MSPs in the country for naturally grown food, ensuring fair compensation for farmers in one of the state’s most remote tribal belts.
“The certification of Pangi Valley is a game-changer,” said Paulrasu, “uplifting farmers with secure incomes while protecting Himachal’s fragile ecosystem.”
Under PK3Y, over 3.06 lakh farmers have already been trained in natural farming methods, with 2.22 lakh actively practising on 38,437 hectares statewide. Focus crops include maize, wheat, barley, and turmeric.
Officials note that these non-chemical, low-cost methods improve soil health, reduce farmers’ input costs, and deliver nutritious, safe food to consumers while creating local employment opportunities, especially for youth.
The move is also designed to encourage tribal and rural communities to view agriculture as a profitable profession again, reversing migration trends and preserving traditional farming knowledge.
With this forward-thinking model, Himachal Pradesh continues to lead India’s natural farming revolution, ensuring both food security and environmental sustainability while empowering farmers and protecting their cultural heritage.
