Himachal Pradesh government has launched HIM UNNATI Scheme commonly known as Rajiv Gandhi Prakritik Kheti Start-up Yojana 2024 to promote self employment in natural farming. This scheme is the 3rd component under Rajiv Gandhi Swarojgar Yojana. Other 2 components being HP e taxi scheme in which electric vehicles attract subsidy of 50% and Rajiv Gandhi Swarojgar Startup Yojana in which solar panel subsidy of 50% is given. Read this article till the end to know complete details of Rajiv Gandhi Swarozgar Yojana 3rd component.
The Rajiv Gandhi Prakritik Kheti Startup initiative will also integrate various ongoing agricultural schemes and coordinate with departments such as Animal Husbandry, Horticulture, Fisheries, and Rural Development to maximize the scheme's impact. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said: "The scheme would particularly benefit small and marginal farmers, women farmers, and those from weaker sections of society, including Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. The scheme is expected to generate self-employment opportunities for approximately 50,000 farmers through the creation of 2,600 focused agricultural clusters. Additionally, it is anticipated to increase productivity by 15% to 20% in vegetables and cereals in the state."
The HIM-UNNATI scheme includes 100% soil test-based nutrient management to enhance soil productivity, the promotion of high-end product cultivation, and support for traditional crops and millet procurement. The government has earmarked Rs. 50 crore for the current fiscal year to establish 10 new Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and an additional Rs 10 crore for assistance with wire mesh and barbed wire. "As part of our commitment to promote natural farming, the state government will procure up to 20 quintals of naturally grown grains per family at a rate of Rs 40 per kg for wheat and Rs 30 per kg for maize. This initiative aims to encourage chemical-free farming and foster agricultural entrepreneurship in the state" said the Chief Minister.
The HIM-UNNATI scheme represents the third phase of the Rajiv Gandhi Start-up Yojana, further incentivizing natural farming practices, said CM Sukhu. HP govt. also plans to certify 15,000 acres of land as natural farming land through a dedicated web portal, he said, adding that additionally, over 1.41 lakh farmers have already been certified under the Certified Evaluation Tool for Agriculture Resource Analysis (CETARA NF) system.
HIM UNNATI Scheme 2024 Launch Details
In order to promote natural farming across Himachal Pradesh, the state govt. has unveiled a new initiative namely HIM-UNNATI scheme with an allocation of Rs. 150 crore. This Rajiv Gandhi Prakritik Kheti Yojana will bolster the efforts of approximately 1.92 lakh farmers already practising chemical-free farming on over 32,149 hectares of land. The program will focus on making the agriculture sector economically viable through a cluster-based development model and promoting natural farming. Under HIM-UNNATI, the government will consolidate smallholding farmers to enable bulk production, ensuring a sufficient marketable surplus.The Rajiv Gandhi Prakritik Kheti Startup initiative will also integrate various ongoing agricultural schemes and coordinate with departments such as Animal Husbandry, Horticulture, Fisheries, and Rural Development to maximize the scheme's impact. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said: "The scheme would particularly benefit small and marginal farmers, women farmers, and those from weaker sections of society, including Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. The scheme is expected to generate self-employment opportunities for approximately 50,000 farmers through the creation of 2,600 focused agricultural clusters. Additionally, it is anticipated to increase productivity by 15% to 20% in vegetables and cereals in the state."
The HIM-UNNATI scheme represents the third phase of the Rajiv Gandhi Start-up Yojana, further incentivizing natural farming practices, said CM Sukhu. HP govt. also plans to certify 15,000 acres of land as natural farming land through a dedicated web portal, he said, adding that additionally, over 1.41 lakh farmers have already been certified under the Certified Evaluation Tool for Agriculture Resource Analysis (CETARA NF) system.
Natural farming has seen growing popularity in Himachal Pradesh, particularly among women farmers who have shown leadership in adopting these sustainable practices. "HIM-UNNATI scheme will provide essential capacity-building training and financial assistance to strengthen the farming community’s economy and contribute to the state’s goal of self-reliance," said the Chief Minister.
Rajiv Gandhi Prakritik Kheti Start-up Yojana in HP Budget 2024-25
While presenting the Himachal Pradesh Budget 2024-25, FM mentioned Rajiv Gandhi Prakritik Kheti Start-up Yojana. While delivering the budget speech, FM said "The State Government will promote self employment in natural farming. I announce a new scheme Rajiv Gandhi Prakritik Kheti Start-up Yojana as the 3rd component of Rs. 680 crore Rajiv Gandhi Start-up Yojana aimed at increasing the income of farmers".
1st Phase of Rajiv Gandhi Prakritik Kheti Startup Yojana
In the first phase of Rajiv Gandhi Prakritik Kheti Startup Yojana, 10 farmers from
each Panchayat will be encouraged for Chemical Free
Farming. It would result in around 36,000 farmers adopting the
natural farming. Farmers who are already doing farming
will be given priority. As the farmers continue to join
this scheme and use cow dung instead of urea and 12-
32-16 fertilizer in the production of wheat and urea in
maize, then the govt. guarantees purchase of their grains at
a minimum support price (MSP).
Him Unnati Yojana Benefits & Features
Natural farming, also known as sustainable or organic farming, aims to cultivate crops and raise livestock in a way that minimizes environmental impact, promotes biodiversity, and sustains the health of the soil. The benefits of natural farming under Rajiv Gandhi Prakritik Kheti Start-up Yojana includes:-- Encouraging farmers to adopt natural farming
- Preserving Soil Health
- Biodiversity Conservation
- Water Conservation
- Sustainable Resource Management
- Promoting Animal Welfare
- Chemical-Free Farming
- Climate Change Mitigation
- Local Economy Support
- Education and Awareness
- Resilience and Adaptability
Implementation of Rajiv Gandhi Prakritik Kheti Start-up Yojana
- With the aim of motivating unemployed youth for natural farming, maximum of 20 quintals of naturally grown grains per family will be procured by the Government at the MSP of Rs. 40 per kg and maize at the rate of Rs. 30 per kg.
- The MSP given by Himachal Pradesh govt. is the highest in the country.
- This is another effort of our Government for making Himachal Pradesh "Self-Reliant".
- Rajiv Gandhi Prakritik Kheti Start-up Yojana will provide a security net to those farmers who practice natural farming.
- Even youth in rural areas will be motivated for self-employment in the agriculture sector.
- With this initiative, 15,000 acres of land will be certified as natural farming land through Web Portal.
- 10 new "Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)" will be formed under the intervention.
- Rs. 50 crore will be spent on this during 2024-25.
- In addition to this, Rs. 10 crore will be spent for giving assistance to the farmers for wire mesh and barbed wire.
Overview of Him Unnati Scheme
| Name of Scheme | HIM Unnati Scheme or Rajiv Gandhi Prakritik Kheti Start-up Yojana |
| in Hindi | राजीव गाँधी प्राकृतिक खेती स्टार्टअप योजना |
| State | Himachal Pradesh |
| Type of Scheme | Self Employment through Natural Farming |
| Objective | To provide self employment to youths and farmers by encouraging them to practice chemical free farming |
| Who are Beneficiaries | Farmers and Youths |
| Parent Scheme | Rajiv Gandhi Swarojgar Yojana |
Source / Reference Link: https://ebudget.hp.nic.in/Aspx/Anonymous/pdf/FS_Eng_2024.pdf
Tags
Himachal Pradesh