Driven by Mahatma Gandhi’s belief that “the soul of India lives in its villages,” HP CM Sukhu has launched a rural-first development model, placing village empowerment at the heart of the state’s journey toward self-reliance.
Through the ‘Sarkar Gaon Ke Dwar’ initiative, the Chief Minister is bringing governance to the grassroots, personally visiting remote villages like Tikkar, Sharchi, Baga Sarahan, and Dodra Kwar, staying overnight, and engaging directly with local communities. These visits have fostered trust and highlighted real challenges, ushering in a new era of participatory governance. In a landmark move, Himachal Day was celebrated in Pangi Valley, symbolizing the state’s commitment to inclusive and accessible administration.
Leading the charge in sustainable agriculture, Himachal has become the first state in India to declare Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for naturally grown crops. Maize MSP has increased from ₹30 to ₹40/kg and wheat from ₹40 to ₹60/kg. Over 1.98 lakh farmers have adopted natural farming, supported through brands like Himbhog and Him Makki Atta. The remote region of Pangi has been declared the state’s first natural farming subdivision.
Himachal also made history by becoming India’s first state to fix MSP for milk, raising cow milk prices to ₹51/litre and buffalo milk to ₹61/litre, with a ₹2/litre transport subsidy. The ₹500 crore Himganga Yojana is transforming the dairy sector with high-tech milk processing plants already supporting over 20,000 farmers. New facilities are underway in Dhagwar, Kullu, Nahan, Nalagarh, Una, and Hamirpur.
The HP SHIVA Project, with an investment of ₹1,292 crore, is promoting diverse fruit cultivation across 28 blocks in seven districts, aiming to bring 6,000 hectares under horticulture. In 2024–25, 37,600 metric tonnes of fruit were procured at MSP. To aid storage and transport, a ₹29.22 crore CA Store in Rohru is now operational, with drone services in planning for perishable produce delivery.
From natural farming and dairy modernization to expanded horticulture and direct governance, Himachal Pradesh is laying the foundation for a resilient rural economy. Farmers are earning better returns, rural produce is gaining visibility, and hope is returning to the countryside.
CM Sukhu’s village-centered vision is turning into measurable progress, affirming that strong villages are the cornerstone of a self-sufficient Himachal.
