Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu recently virtually inaugurated and laid foundation stones for projects totaling Rs 34.31 crore at Dr Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry in Nauni, Solan district. The projects include a hostel for 107 students at the College of Horticulture and Forestry in Neri, Hamirpur, costing Rs 3.63 crore. Additionally, he inaugurated the administrative building of Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Tabo, Lahaul-Spiti, constructed at a cost of Rs 1.48 crore.
The Chief Minister also initiated the construction of working women’s hostels at various locations. These include hostels with a capacity of 50 each at the Colleges of Horticulture and Forestry in Neri and Khaggal, Hamirpur, costing Rs 8.57 crore and Rs 8.68 crore, respectively. Furthermore, he laid the foundation stone for a working women’s hostel with a capacity of 100 at the main campus of Dr Y.S. Parmar University, to be built at a cost of Rs 11.95 crore. CM Sukhu highlighted the importance of natural farming for the state’s future and the government’s efforts to promote it.
He emphasized the crucial role of the university in encouraging farmers to adopt natural farming practices. Despite challenges like the discontinuation of the Revenue Deficit Grant by the Central government, Himachal Pradesh is dedicated to strengthening education, healthcare, and the rural economy. Over 2 lakh farmers engaged in natural farming are registered, with almost 1.98 lakh already issued certificates.
Agriculture remains the backbone of Himachal Pradesh’s economy, with around 90% of the population residing in rural areas and over 53.95% directly dependent on agriculture for their livelihood. The government is committed to implementing progressive policies and initiatives to support the rural economy. The state provides the highest minimum support price (MSP) in the country for naturally grown crops to ensure fair returns to farmers.
