Snow Advance Scheme: The Himachal Pradesh government has implemented the ambitious Him Unnati Yojana to increase farmers’ income and strengthen agriculture through scientific methods.
Under this scheme, two Him Krishi Clusters have been established in Karsog sub-division, covering about 300 acres of land and directly benefiting about 80 farmers. To advance agriculture scientifically, increase farmers’ income and strengthen the rural economy, the Himachal Pradesh government has implemented the “Him Unnati Yojana”. The aim of this scheme is to bring scientific thinking to the fields, connect farmers with modern technology and make agriculture self-reliant. For this purpose, two “Him Krishi Clusters” have been created in Karsog sub-division, which have received the approval of the state government. About 300 acres of land has been included in this scheme, which is directly benefiting about 80 farmers. The first phase of this scheme will cost Rs 2.1 lakh.
Two Snow Agriculture Clusters Established in Karsog
Under Him Unnati Yojana, two Snow Agriculture Clusters have been established in Karsog area. The first cluster, which has been established in Bhanera village, covers about 250 bighas of land. About 50 farmers will directly benefit from this cluster. The second cluster, which has been established in Mashog (Pangana), covers about 66 bighas of land and will benefit about 30 farmers. The objective of these clusters is to integrate agriculture with scientific methods and provide modern facilities to the farmers.
Farmers benefit from irrigation and seeds
Irrigation has been a major challenge in agricultural operations. Under Him Unnati Yojana, borewells, irrigation tanks and lift irrigation schemes will be implemented to solve this problem. These will deliver water to the fields. Apart from this, quality seeds will be provided free of cost to the farmers to improve their production.
Arrangement of training and exposure visits
Training farmers to integrate scientific farming practices is a key part of the scheme. Demonstrations, exposure visits and visits to agricultural universities have been arranged to familiarize farmers with new technologies and enable them to implement new farming methods.
The plan also includes animal husbandry and horticulture.
Him Unnati Yojana is not limited to agriculture only; it also includes animal husbandry and horticulture. 50 percent subsidy will be provided to farmers involved in animal husbandry. This will increase employment and income opportunities in rural areas. Horticulture will provide additional source of income to farmers and bring diversification in agriculture.
Government’s commitment to farmers
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu announced the Him Unnati Yojana in the April 2023 budget. It is considered an ambitious and farmer-friendly scheme of the state government. The government aims to strengthen agriculture and allied sectors and double the income of farmers. SMS Praveen Gupta of the Agriculture Department, Karsog said that an action plan has been prepared to implement this scheme, which has been approved. About 80 farmers of the area will benefit from this scheme, and Rs 21 lakh will be spent.
Strengthening the rural economy
Him Unnati Yojana will not only increase the income of farmers but will also strengthen the rural economy. Through clusters, collective farming will be encouraged and production will be increased through scientific methods. This will increase the interest of farmers in farming and give a boost to economic activities in villages.
