Punjab Newsline, Shimla, August 30-
A delegation of four scientists from the French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food, and Environment (INRAE) called on CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, here today. The team, led by Prof. Allison Marie Loconto, Deputy Director of LISIS, included researchers Prof. Mireille Matt, Dr. Evelyne Lhoste, and Dr. Renee Van Dis are on a visit to Himachal Pradesh to learn about the advancements in natural farming in the state.
During the meeting, the CM said that Himachal Pradesh was pioneering in natural farming as the state was the first in India to offer a minimum support price for products grown through natural farming practices with wheat being procured at Rs. 40 per kg and maize at Rs. 30 per kg. Additionally, cow milk was being purchased at Rs. 45 per litre and buffalo milk at Rs. 55 per litre.
He said that HP was set to become a leading state in natural farming within the next five to six years and emphasized the importance of product certification in natural farming. He said that the CETARA certification system had been introduced, which was being implemented in the state to ensure fair prices for the farmers.