Doubling Farmers’ income in Himachal Pradesh: Challenges and Solutions

Earlier efforts to augment production of cereals, pulses, fruits and vegetables were successful but farmers never got remunerative price for their produce. They were forced to sell their produce in distress because food processing units and cold storage structures were not established. Assured irrigation and quality inputs like seed, pesticides were not available. Still, irrigation facilities are lacking and farmers are dependent on timely rains only for successful farming. Many a times, unpredictable weather damages crops leading to economic losses. Thus, efforts to improve economic conditions of farmers must lay due emphasis on improving the basic infrastructure related to farming. Small and medium food processing industries should be established to ensure proper disposal of produce at remunerative prices.