Himachal Pradesh’s Pangi Valley in Chamba district is being prepared to become the state’s first Natural Farming Subdivision. The plan is part of the state government’s push to expand chemical-free farming and support farmers in remote and tribal areas.
The Agriculture Department of Himachal Pradesh has started the process to certify Pangi under the Participatory Guarantee Scheme, known as PGS. The certification process is meant to confirm that crops grown in the area follow natural farming protocols and do not depend on synthetic chemicals or fertilisers.
Pangi is a remote valley, and the state’s focus on the region links natural farming with rural income support. The initiative also includes procurement of selected naturally grown crops at Minimum Support Prices fixed for this purpose.
PGS certification process begins in Pangi
According to the source, a dedicated committee has been formed under the Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana, or PK3Y. The committee is carrying out surveys across the valley for large-scale area certification.
The certification process is an important step because it gives a formal structure to natural farming in the subdivision. It is intended to help identify land and produce that meet the required standards for chemical-free cultivation.
The state government has linked this work with its wider goal of building a self-reliant and environmentally resilient Himachal Pradesh. In practical terms, the programme focuses on farmers, farm costs, and the rural economy.
MSP support for naturally grown crops
The source states that the state government scheduled procurement of naturally grown crops from May 15, 2025, at the following Minimum Support Prices:
- Wheat: ₹60 per kg
- Raw turmeric: ₹90 per kg
- Barley from Pangi Valley: ₹60 per kg, based on ongoing evaluation and production estimates
Agriculture Secretary C. Paulrasu said these MSPs are the highest in the country for naturally grown produce, according to the source. The stated aim is to provide fair compensation to farmers, especially those working in remote and tribal regions.
The inclusion of barley from Pangi Valley is notable within the state’s plan because it connects procurement support directly with a local crop. The government expects this to expand income options for farmers in the valley.
PK3Y coverage across Himachal Pradesh
The Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana has already covered a large number of farmers in the state. The source gives the following figures for implementation:
- 3.06 lakh farmers have been trained in natural farming techniques.
- 2.22 lakh farmers are currently practising natural farming.
- 38,437 hectares of land are under chemical-free cultivation in Himachal Pradesh.
- Focus crops include maize, wheat, raw turmeric and barley.
These figures show that the programme is not limited to one valley. Pangi’s proposed certification is being taken up within a broader state-level effort to move more land and more farmers towards natural farming practices.
Why the state is focusing on natural farming
The state government’s approach is based on non-chemical and low-cost farming methods. The source lists several goals behind the initiative, including better soil health, support for biodiversity, lower input costs for farmers, and safe food for consumers.
For areas like Pangi, the programme also looks at livelihood generation. The government expects natural farming and crop procurement to create income opportunities in remote areas and encourage unemployed youth to consider agriculture as a viable option.
The success of the Pangi plan will depend on certification, farmer participation and procurement support working together. For now, the Agriculture Department’s surveys under PK3Y are the main step towards making Pangi Valley Himachal Pradesh’s first certified Natural Farming Subdivision.
Source: MyGov Blog.