Organic farming is set to get a further boost in Himachal Pradesh as 2000 hectares of land will be brought under organic farming in addition to the 22,000 hectares of land where organic farming is already being done. There are plans to develop 200 bio-villages as well.

Farmers have shown great enthusiasm as around 40,000 farmers have registered for the scheme. They have been informed about attractive prizes they could bag for excellent work in organic production. Reward comprises of first, second and third prizes of Rs 3 lakh, Rs 2 lakh and Rs 1 lakh respectively. They would be given to progressive farmers for adopting organic farming.

 The state has implemented an ambitious Rs 321 crore project to diversify agricultural activities by encouraging the agrarian community to adopt organic farming and produce cash crops. So far, the scheme has been implemented in Kangra, Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur and Mandi districts in collaboration with Japan International Co-operation Agency (JAICA).

A senior official from the agricultural department stated that farmers have shown a keen interest in the scheme and it has produced outstanding results making the state a leader in organic farming.

He said that there is immense potential for organic agriculture in Himachal Pradesh, a state which makes very scanty use of chemicals in comparison to other states. A key component in promoting organic farming is ‘vermiculture’ and farmers are provided with 50% subsidy for installing vermicompost unit. So far 1.5 lakh such units have been established.