Shimla: In a major push to strengthen the rural economy and boost farmers’ income, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced a series of policy measures, including enhanced Minimum Support Prices (MSP), new farmer-centric institutions, and large-scale investments in agriculture, horticulture, and allied sectors.
Addressing the House, the Chief Minister flagged the long-pending issue of grazing permits for sheep and goat rearers, lying suspended since 1970. Due to the absence of a clear permit policy, migratory pastoralists continue to face hardships and restrictions during seasonal movement. He assured that the government is working towards a simplified and welfare-oriented permit policy.
MSP Boost for Crops
In a significant relief to farmers, the government announced revised MSPs:
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Maize MSP increased from ₹60 to ₹80 per kg
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Turmeric MSP raised from ₹90 to ₹150 per kg, citing its high medicinal value and low vulnerability to crop damage
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Ginger MSP introduced at ₹30 per kg for the first time in the state
The Chief Minister said these decisions aim to double farmers’ income and encourage crop diversification, especially towards climate-resilient and high-value crops.
Strengthening Rural Economy
Highlighting the impact of increased rural spending, Sukhu said the state’s per capita income has risen to around ₹2.83 lakh, significantly above the national average. “With nearly 80% population residing in rural areas, putting money in farmers’ hands has directly boosted the economy,” he said.
Seed Mission and Climate-Resilient Farming
To tackle climate change and reduce dependency on external inputs, the government will establish a State Seed Corporation.
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Community seed banks will be set up in selected villages
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Traditional crops like red rice, maize, rajma, ginger, and turmeric will be promoted
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Farmers will get ₹5,000 per bigha subsidy for seed production
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Each seed cluster will receive up to ₹2 lakh infrastructure support
Farmer Commission to Be Formed
Fulfilling a long-pending demand, the government will constitute a Himachal Pradesh State Farmers Commission through legislation to address farmers’ grievances and safeguard their interests.
Irrigation and Infrastructure Push
Under ongoing projects:
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1,009 micro-irrigation schemes to be completed
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Work on 56 new projects to begin
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Irrigation expansion across 350+ hectares
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Construction of 19 km farm access roads and 60,000 running meters of fencing
Horticulture Expansion
The horticulture sector, a key pillar of the state economy, will see major investments:
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5 lakh fruit saplings to be produced and distributed
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High-density plantation project worth ₹1,295 crore underway in multiple districts
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Coverage of 6,000 hectares, benefiting around 15,000 farmers
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Focus on export-oriented crops like citrus, guava, pomegranate, litchi, nuts, and persimmon
Dairy, Employment and Rural Livelihoods
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400 dairy units to be established
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Skill development support for 600 beneficiaries
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Subsidy support for farm machinery on a 50% cost-sharing basis
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3,000 self-help groups to receive investment funds worth over ₹4,000 crore
Social Welfare Measures
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100 units of free electricity to continue for eligible families
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Housing support for kutcha houses on a priority basis
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Financial assistance of ₹1,500 per month under Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi to be expanded
Employment and Start-Up Push
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500 e-taxis to be supported with 50% subsidy
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Financial assistance for purchase of e-rickshaws
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500 campus interviews to be आयोजित for job placement
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Overseas employment facilitation through state agencies
Governance and Reforms
The government also announced:
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Filling 150 पंचायत सचिव पद
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डिजिटल रिकॉर्ड और 100% ऑडिट in पंचायत संस्थाएं
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Amendments in the Himachal Pradesh Shops and Commercial Establishment Act to allow 24×7 operations
The Chief Minister reiterated that the government’s focus remains on building a green, climate-resilient Himachal, strengthening rural livelihoods, and ensuring inclusive growth.
“यह व्यवस्था परिवर्तन का दौर है—जहां गरीब का हक सीधे गरीब तक पहुंचे,” he asserted.
