Himachal Pradesh Launches Mobile Van Program for Chemical-Free Farm Produce

In Himachal Pradesh, over 170,000 farmers are adopting eco-friendly farming methods on 24,000 hectares, avoiding chemicals and reducing costs.

In a significant move to support eco-friendly farming, Himachal Pradesh is introducing a mobile van initiative under the Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana (PK3Y).

Starting on September 15, mobile vans stocked with chemical-free vegetables, fruits, ghee, and pickles will roll into key locations in Shimla every Friday. These areas include the state secretariat, Chotta Shimla, HPU campus, Summerhill, and Krishi Bhawan, Boileauganj.

Around 200 farmers who practice natural farming methods will collaborate to ensure a steady supply chain from different farmer clusters within the Shimla district.

Hemis Negi, the State Project Director of PK3Y, stressed that this initiative kicks off as a pilot project in the state capital, responding to the rising demand for chemical-free produce. If successful, the project may expand to other districts.

The State Project Implementing Unit (SPIU) has meticulously planned the mobile van operations, with a Farmer Producer Company (FPC) partner from PK3Y facilitating the sale of natural produce at specific locations.

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PK3Y, launched five years ago in Himachal Pradesh, seeks to promote natural farming techniques, leading to sustainable agriculture and offering healthier produce to consumers.

Over 1.70 lakh farmers in the state have adopted this chemical-free, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly farming approach, covering more than 24,000 hectares of land.

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The statement also highlighted that this natural farming method, endorsed by Padma Shri awardee Subhash Palekar, centers around indigenous cows. It enables farmers to reduce their reliance on external markets by creating farm inputs using cow dung, urine, jaggery, gram flour, and locally sourced leaves directly on their farms.

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