Himachal Opens Dedicated Sales Centre to Boost Natural Farming Products Under ‘Him Bhog’ Brand

Over 2.23 lakh farmers practicing natural farming; turmeric, maize, wheat and barley procured at highest MSP

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To strengthen chemical-free agriculture and create reliable market avenues for natural produce, Himachal Pradesh Agriculture Minister Chander Kumar inaugurated a dedicated natural farming sales centre in Shimla on Monday evening. The centre, located near the Agriculture Directorate in Boileauganj, will exclusively retail products grown under the Rajiv Gandhi Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana.

Stronger Market Links Needed for Natural Farming

Addressing the gathering, Chander Kumar said the success of natural farming depends not just on production but on robust market support.

He called on the Agriculture Department to work closely with industry partners to ensure stable and long-term demand for naturally grown produce. “Farmers should feel confident that their natural produce will find assured markets and fair prices,” he said.

Natural Crops Procured at Highest MSP

The minister highlighted that naturally grown:

• Turmeric
• Maize
• Wheat
• Barley

are already being procured at the highest Minimum Support Price (MSP), providing financial security to farmers who adopt chemical-free practices.

He noted that raw natural turmeric has strong potential for linkages with the medicinal and cosmetic industries, offering farmers opportunities in premium markets.

‘Him Bhog’ Brand Gains Traction

Under the scheme, natural produce from participating farmers is:

• Procured
• Branded
• Packaged
• Sold

under the ‘Him Bhog’ label, giving consumers a state-certified assurance of chemical-free, sustainably grown products.

Natural Farming Expands Across Himachal

Agriculture Director Ravinder Singh Jasrotia briefed the minister on the scheme’s progress:

• 2.23 lakh farmers are currently practicing natural farming
• 38,456 hectares under natural cultivation
• Growing adoption across the hill state’s districts

He added that similar sales centres will soon be opened in other districts, further strengthening the natural produce supply chain.