Hamirpur, December 9
Many farmers across Himachal Pradesh are achieving new milestones in natural farming. By adopting this affordable and chemical-free system, they are producing safe and nutritious fruits, vegetables and grains for their families while also earning a steady income.
A shining example of this success is Amar Singh, a resident of village Sadhbard in Gram Panchayat Kamalah under Nadaun Subdivision of district Hamirpur. Having embraced natural farming, Amar Singh now sustains his family’s annual consumption needs and earns nearly ₹1 lakh each year by selling vegetables in the local market.
Before switching to natural methods, Amar Singh used chemical fertilizers and pesticides on his ancestral land while working a temporary job. The expenses of chemical inputs had increased farming costs, and continuous chemical use had begun degrading the soil’s fertility. When he learned about polyhouse cultivation and natural farming a few years ago, he decided to experiment with the new approach.
He first established a polyhouse and nursery, which brought encouraging results. Later, under the guidance of the Agriculture Department’s ATMA Project officers, he transitioned fully to natural farming practices. Under the state government’s special scheme to promote natural farming, Amar Singh received two days of specialised training and an 80 percent subsidy on necessary materials and equipment such as drums.
Today, Amar Singh prepares Jeevamrit—a natural growth enhancer made from cow dung, cow urine, jaggery, and gram flour—at home and uses it in his fields. The results have been remarkable. He now grows potatoes, onions, garlic, brinjals, cauliflower, mustard, and other vegetables entirely through natural methods, fetching attractive prices in the local market. In addition to vegetables, Amar Singh has also planted guava, papaya, kiwi, and other fruit trees.
Expressing gratitude toward government initiatives, Amar Singh appreciated Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s efforts to promote natural farming across Himachal Pradesh. He said that subsidies and higher procurement prices for natural produce have opened new avenues for farmers to increase both income and soil health.
Natural farming is steadily transforming rural livelihoods in Himachal Pradesh, showing how a shift to sustainable and eco-friendly practices can make farming both profitable and affordable.
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