Shimla (Kameshwar Sharma): Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu virtually inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for development projects worth ₹34.31 crore for Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry.
The Chief Minister inaugurated a hostel with a capacity of 107 students at the College of Horticulture and Forestry, Neri (Hamirpur), constructed at a cost of ₹3.63 crore. He also inaugurated the administrative building of a Krishi Vigyan Kendra at Tabo in Lahaul and Spiti, built at a cost of ₹1.48 crore.
Additionally, he laid the foundation stone for a working women’s hostel worth ₹8.57 crore at Neri, Hamirpur, and another ₹8.68 crore hostel at Khaggal, Hamirpur, both with a capacity of 50 occupants each. A larger working women’s hostel with a capacity of 100 occupants will also be constructed at the university’s main campus in Nauni, Solan, at a cost of ₹11.95 crore.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister emphasized that natural farming is the future of Himachal Pradesh, and the state government is actively promoting it. He said the university plays a crucial role in encouraging farmers to adopt natural farming practices.
Despite the discontinuation of revenue deficit grants by the central government, Sukhu stated that the state government continues to prioritize strengthening education, healthcare, and the rural economy, ensuring adequate funding for these sectors.
He highlighted that over two lakh farmers have been registered under natural farming initiatives, out of which approximately 1.98 lakh have already received certification.
The Chief Minister noted that agriculture is the backbone of the state’s economy, with around 90 percent of the population living in rural areas and nearly 53.95 percent directly dependent on agriculture. He added that the government is implementing progressive and farmer-friendly policies to empower the rural economy.
Sukhu further announced increased Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for naturally grown crops. The MSP for wheat has been raised from ₹60 to ₹80 per kg, maize from ₹40 to ₹50 per kg, barley from Pangi Valley from ₹60 to ₹80 per kg, and turmeric from ₹90 to ₹150 per kg. Pangi has been declared the state’s first fully natural farming subdivision.
For the first time, ginger has also been brought under MSP with a fixed rate of ₹30 per kg. Additionally, the procurement price of cow milk has been set at ₹61 per litre and buffalo milk at ₹71 per litre.
The event was attended virtually by Vice-Chancellor Dr. Rajeshwar Chandel, ICAR Additional Director General Dr. R.K. Singh, Registrar Siddharth Acharya, along with university officials, staff, and students.
