Government Increases Maize Price to Rs 3000 per Quintal, Boosting Natural Farming

Key Highlights

• The government buys naturally grown maize at Rs 3000 per quintal.
• Farmers get Rs 775 more than the MSP (Rs 2225).
• Registration is required on the ‘Sitara’ portal for eligibility.
• Each farmer can sell up to 20 quintals of maize.
• Himachal plans similar support for naturally grown wheat.

The government is encouraging maize farmers by increasing the purchasing price for naturally grown maize. Farmers who follow natural farming methods will now receive Rs 775 more per quintal than the minimum support price (MSP), which stands at Rs 2225 per quintal for the 2024-25 season. Instead, these farmers will get Rs 3000 per quintal, giving them significant financial support.

Also Read: Rajasthan Government Launches One-Time Settlement Scheme 2024 for Loan Repayment Relief

Why Naturally Grown Maize Gets a Higher Price

There is a growing demand for naturally produced food in India. However, many farmers have needed help to receive fair prices for their naturally grown crops. To address this, the government has introduced a higher support price for maize grown without chemical fertilizers and pesticides. This scheme aims to support farmers who use eco-friendly methods, providing a 35% higher rate than conventional farming.

In Himachal Pradesh, the state government has already started purchasing natural maize. Farmers who have registered for this scheme are eligible to sell their naturally grown maize at Rs 3000 per quintal.

Who Can Benefit from the Higher MSP?

Only registered farmers in Himachal Pradesh can sell their maize at a higher price. Registration is managed through the ‘Sitara’ portal, where farmers sign up to confirm their eligibility. According to Tapinder Gupta, Project Director of the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), 5,505 farmers are already registered in the Bilaspur district alone. Farmers can also register at procurement centers.

Under this scheme, each farmer can sell up to 20 quintals of naturally grown maize. The government plans to purchase 508 metric tonnes of maize in the first phase, which will come from 3,218 certified natural farmers in the state.

Also Read: Centre Ensures Smooth Paddy Procurement in Punjab with Support for Rice Millers

Wheat Farmers Will Also Benefit Soon

The Himachal Pradesh government plans to extend this scheme to wheat farmers, offering them higher prices if they grow wheat naturally. Farmers who register for the Rajiv Gandhi Natural Farming Start-up Scheme will be able to sell wheat at Rs 40 per kg, providing substantial support similar to maize farmers.

In addition to providing higher MSP, Himachal Pradesh has also set an example as the first state to offer minimum support prices specifically for crops grown through natural farming.

Natural Maize Flour Brand: “Him Makki”

The state government also plans to sell maize flour made from naturally grown maize under the brand name "Him Makki." This product will be available in both one- and five-kilogram packs, making it easily accessible to both rural and urban consumers. The price of “Him Makki” will be comparable to other maize flour products, giving consumers a sustainable choice.

How to Register for the Higher MSP

Farmers interested in receiving the higher support price for maize should register on the ‘Sitara’ portal or at local procurement centers. This registration ensures they qualify for the Rs 3000 per quintal rate and can participate in the government’s natural farming support initiatives.

Also Read: Farmers in Gujarat to Receive ₹1,419.62 Crore in Crop Loss Compensation

CMV360 Says

The government’s increased support price for naturally grown maize is a positive step toward encouraging natural farming and helping farmers receive fair prices. With the inclusion of wheat in the scheme soon, Himachal Pradesh’s farmers can look forward to sustainable and financially beneficial farming practices.