DW BUREAU / Shimla

The State Government is making concerted efforts to boost Agro economy of the state to make Himachal self-reliant in the field of agriculture and allied sectors by implementing farmer-friendly schemes to increase their economy.

Under the agriculture based 'Him Unnati Yojana', cluster based activities were being developed in a phased manner. As many as 2,600 clusters will be formed throughout the state out of which 1200 will be created by the agriculture department, 1100 by the natural farm units and 300 by JICA with a provision of Rs. 15 crore in this financial year.

Not only the scheme aims to make agriculture economically viable by promoting a cluster-based development model and natural farming practices but the initiative will consolidate smallholding farmers for bulk production and integrate with existing agricultural schemes and departments like animal husbandry and horticulture to maximize the impact. Cluster based vegetable production is also being promoted to benefit farmers and rural youth.

Similarly, yet another scheme the Mukhyamantri Krishi Samvardhan Yojana is also being successfully implemented which includes cluster based vegetable production, distribution of hybrid seeds and subsidies on fertilizers besides strengthening the laboratories so as to increase the productivity of crops.
(editor@dailyworld.in)