Himbhog – A Revolutionary Step Towards Promoting Natural Farming in Himachal Pradesh
The Himachal Pradesh Government, under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Shri Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has launched an ambitious initiative to promote natural farming and uplift the rural economy through its flagship brand, Himbhog. This program aims to support farmers practicing sustainable farming methods and ensure fair pricing for their produce.
Maize Flour Under the Himbhog Brand
The state government has introduced maize flour produced through natural farming under the brand name Himbhog. This product highlights the state’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and empowering farmers. More than 4,000 quintals of maize were procured from 1,506 farmer families practicing natural farming across 10 districts of Himachal Pradesh, excluding Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur.
Key Highlights of Procurement:
- Highest Procurement Districts:
- Solan: 1,140 quintals
- Chamba: 810 quintals
- Mandi: 650 quintals
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Rs. 1.20 crore was directly transferred to farmers’ bank accounts for the procurement of 398 metric tonnes of maize.
Public Distribution of Himbhog Maize Flour
In another milestone, the government has made Himbhog maize flour available through the Public Distribution System (PDS) depots across the state. This initiative aims to make organic maize flour accessible to both urban and rural populations.
Key Details:
- Packaging Sizes: Available in 1 kg and 5 kg packs.
- Pricing: Priced at Rs. 50 per kilogram to ensure affordability.
- Urban Supply: 20 kilograms of maize flour is being supplied to depots in urban areas.
- Rural Supply: 10 kilograms of maize flour is being supplied to depots in rural areas.
- Initial Rollout: The first phase covers depots in Bilaspur, Ghumarwin, Jhanduta, and Shri Naina Devi, with on-demand supplies planned subsequently.
To facilitate this initiative, the Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs Department has partnered with the flour mill in Jhabola, Bilaspur, for the grinding and packaging of organic maize. The initial consignment of 9 quintals has already been dispatched to government warehouses for distribution.
The government has purchased 144 quintals of organic maize from farmers in Bilaspur district, with supplies now being extended to 250 depots across the state. Additional supplies will be made available based on demand.
Himbhog Maize on HIM-ERA
HimBhog maize is also available for sale on HIM-ERA, the government-authorized portal of the Himachal Pradesh Government. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, launched the official e-commerce website, himira.co.in, developed by the Rural Development Department. This platform aims to promote the products of over 3,50,000 rural women associated with 44,000 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) across the state.
Himbhog: A Milestone in Sustainable Development
The introduction of Himbhog Atta underscores the government’s commitment to:
- Promoting sustainable agricultural practices
- Enhancing the economic well-being of farmers
- Preserving the ecological balance
Looking Ahead
Himbhog represents a transformative step toward achieving self-reliance and sustainability in agriculture. The state government’s proactive measures in providing fair pricing, expanding natural farming, and supporting small farmers ensure a brighter future for Himachal Pradesh’s farming community. By bridging the gap between traditional farming practices and modern market demands, Himachal Pradesh is setting an example for the rest of the country.
This initiative reflects not only a commitment to the environment but also a dedication to empowering farmers and strengthening the rural economy, making Himachal Pradesh a pioneer in sustainable agricultural development.
