Transforming Horticulture in Himachal Pradesh: The Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana

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Today, we're diving into Himachal Pradesh's groundbreaking scheme, the Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana (PKKKY), which promotes natural farming. Launched in 2018 and enhanced with new components like the Rajiv Gandhi Prakritik Kheti Start-up Yojana in 2024, this initiative is revolutionizing horticulture in the state, famous for its apples, fruits, and vegetables.

Let's break it down in simple points, backed by facts from government sources and logical arguments on its impacts.

What is the Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana?

1.Scheme Overview:

This state government initiative promotes zero-budget natural farming (ZBNF) using cow dung, urine, and local plant-based inputs instead of chemicals.

By shifting to eco-friendly methods, it reduces dependency on expensive synthetic fertilizers, cutting costs by up to 50% while improving soil health for long-term sustainability.

2.Launch and Evolution:

Started in 2018 with an initial Rs. 25 crore budget, it now covers over 1.65 lakh farmers across 19,915 hectares in 99.3% of panchayats. The 2024 Rajiv Gandhi Prakritik Kheti Start-up Yojana adds training for 36,000 youth and subsidies for startups.This evolution addresses modern challenges like climate change, making farming resilient and attractive to younger generations.

3.Focus on Horticulture: While applicable to all crops, it's transformative for Himachal's horticulture sector, which contributes over Rs. 4,000 crore annually from apples and other fruits. Natural methods enhance fruit quality, fetch premium prices (10-20% higher), and protect hilly terrains from chemical runoff, preserving biodiversity.

Key Benefits and Incentives

1.Financial Support: Farmers get up to Rs. 50,000 subsidy for infrastructure like cattle shed lining (Rs. 8,000), drums for inputs (Rs. 750 each, up to 3), and desi cows (50% subsidy up to Rs. 25,000 + Rs. 5,000 transport). Argument: These incentives lower entry barriers, enabling smallholders to adopt natural farming without debt, leading to net income increases of 20-30% through cost savings.

2.Certification and Marketing: Self-assessed certification via spnfhp.in, with over 76,000 farmers registered, ensures traceability and better market access in 10 dedicated yards. Certified produce commands higher prices, boosting farmer revenues and encouraging widespread adoption.

3.Training and Awareness: Includes capacity building, farmer motivators, and mass campaigns under ATMA guidelines. Educated farmers make informed decisions, reducing failures and accelerating the shift to sustainable practices.

Stakeholders involved:

1.Farmers and Communities: Targets 9.61 lakh families, with focus on small/marginal farmers in clusters.

2.Women and Youth Groups: Empowers 'Krishi Sakhis' (women advocates) and youth through startups.

3.Private and NGOs: Integrates with schemes like RKVY and PKVY, plus NGO training.

A.How It Transforms Horticulture

1.Sustainable Practices: Replaces chemicals with natural inputs, improving soil fertility and reducing pollution in horticultural areas like apple orchards.

2.Economic Boost: Targets additional 50,000 bighas, enhancing production value.

3.Environmental Impact: Climate-resilient farming protects Himachal's fragile hills from erosion and water contamination.

B.Providing Jobs and Employment

1.Self-Employment Opportunities: The HIM-UNNATI extension (Rs. 150 crore) creates 2,600 farmer clusters, benefiting 50,000 with input shops and marketing roles.

2.Training-Led Jobs: 36,000 youth trained under Rajiv Gandhi component for natural farming startups.

3.Value Chain Roles: From input production to certification and sales, creating ancillary jobs in packaging and transport.

C.Women Empowerment Through the Scheme

1.Training and Leadership**: Women as 'Krishi Sakhis' lead advocacy, gaining skills and confidence.

2.Economic Independence: Subsidies and marketing help women-led groups sell produce, increasing household earnings.

3.Community Impact: Women expand horizons through agro-marketing, becoming game-changers.

Agri Joy provides easy to understand articles on regional and national schemes, helping farmers access application details and benefits.

Stay tuned to Agri Joy for more on sustainable farming. Let's grow together!

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