French Scientists Meet Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to Discuss Natural Farming
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh), August 30: A group of four scientists from the French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food, and Environment (INRAE) visited Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. The team, led by Prof Allison Marie Loconto, included researchers Prof Mireille Matt, Evelyne Lhoste, and Renee Van Dis. They are in Himachal Pradesh to learn about the state’s advancements in natural farming.
During the meeting, Chief Minister Sukhu highlighted that Himachal Pradesh is a pioneer in natural farming. The state is the first in India to offer a minimum support price for natural farming products, with wheat at Rs 40 per kg and maize at Rs 30 per kg. Cow milk is purchased at Rs 45 per litre and buffalo milk at Rs 55 per litre. He emphasized the importance of product certification and introduced the CETARA certification system to ensure fair prices for farmers.
The HIM-UNNATI scheme, which aims to produce and certify chemical-free produce, is being implemented with a cluster-based approach. The plan involves establishing 2,600 agricultural groups with around 50,000 farmers. The state government is also taking steps to boost the dairy sector and enhance milk production.
The INRAE scientists are on a three-week mission to YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, and other locations in the state. Their visit is part of the European Commission-funded ACROPICS project, which aims to advance co-innovation in agroecological crop protection. The delegation praised the state government’s efforts in promoting natural farming and the CETARA certification system, and they expressed interest in adopting this system in other countries.
Education Minister Rohit Thakur, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Sanjay Awasthy, MLAs Suresh Kumar, Vivek Sharma, Neeraj Nayyar, Vinod Sultanpuri, Ranjit Singh Rana, and Sudarshan Babloo, Secretary of Agriculture C Paulrasu, Director of Horticulture Vinay Singh, Vice Chancellor of YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni Prof. Rajeshwar Chandel, and other dignitaries were present at the meeting.
Doubts Revealed
French Scientists -: These are experts from France who study and research different subjects. In this case, they are studying natural farming.
Himachal CM -: CM stands for Chief Minister. Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, a state in India.
Natural Farming -: This is a way of growing food without using chemicals like pesticides or fertilizers. It is better for the environment and health.
INRAE -: This stands for the French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food, and Environment. It is a big organization in France that studies farming, food, and the environment.
Minimum Support Prices -: This is a system where the government promises to buy certain products at a fixed price to help farmers earn a fair income.
CETARA certification -: This is a special certification system that ensures the quality and standards of natural farming products.
European Commission -: This is a part of the European Union that helps make decisions and fund projects in Europe.
ACROPICS project -: This is a project funded by the European Commission to study and improve farming practices.
