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Himachal becomes leader in organic farming, aims to develop 200 bio villages: Govt
The State Government has announced attractive prizes for the farmers for excellent work in organic production. First, second and third prizes of Rs. 3 lakh, Rs. 2 lakh and Rs. one lakh respectively would be given to the farmers who will adopt organic farming.
Shimla – Himachal Pradesh Government said the State has obtained prolific results in the field of organic farming as a large number of farmers have come forward to adopt this method. As a result of which the off seasonal vegetable producing state has now become the leader of organic farming said the Government.
As per an agriculture survey, there is a scanty use of chemicals in the State i.e. 158 grams as against 381 gms per hectare average in the country.
The Government said it is the outcome of an ambitious project of Rs. 321 crore that is being implemented in State for diversification of agricultural activities. The scheme is implemented in five districts, Kangra, Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur and Mandi in collaboration with Japan International Co-operation Agency (JAICA).
An amount of Rs. 212 crore was spent under the scheme and provision of spending Rs. 80 crore was made for the current fiscal.
Nearly 22000 hectares of land was brought under organic farming and 40000 farmers were registered under the scheme.
The State has set a target of bringing 2000 hectare of additional land under organic farming besides developing 200 bio villages.
Prizes for farmers adopting organic farming
The State Government has announced attractive prizes for the farmers for excellent work in organic production. First, second and third prizes of Rs. 3 lakh, Rs. 2 lakh and Rs. one lakh respectively would be given to the farmers who will adopt organic farming.
Agriculture activities in the State have witnessed an enormous change with the efforts of Agriculture Department and Agriculture University Palampur, said Government. The University has established a separate Organic Farming Wing to provide direction and momentum to the campaign in the State.
‘Vermiculture’ is the key component in promoting organic farming and the State Government is providing special impetus on manufacturing vermi-compost in large scale.
As per the Government, the farmers are being provided 50 percent subsidy for installing vermi- compost unit. So far, 1.50 lakh such units have been established in the State.
Further, the Government aims installation of 20 thousand more such units for the current fiscal to ensure adequate availability of vermi-compost to the farmers.
State Government has fixed the norms for maintaining the quality of Vermicompost. For providing commercial dimension to this activity, commercial units of vermi-compost are being established in the State. So far, five Units for the production of Bio fertilizers have been established.
The farmers of Shimla, Solan, and Sirmour districts have already taken a lead in registration for organic farming and are taking a keen interest in producing vegetables, thereby supplementing the efforts of the State Government in popularizing organic farming.
In this row, Himachal was awarded the “Krishi Karmanya Awards” for two consecutive financial years 2014-15 and 2015-16 for excellent enhancement in the agriculture production, which is a matter of pride for the state, said the Government.
Solan—In a shocking incident on Monday, an 18-year-old youth, Pravesh, survived a vicious leopard attack in Sarli village of Arki subdivision. The teenager reportedly fought the leopard for nearly 12 minutes before breaking its jaw, killing the animal on the spot.
Quick Thinking Saved His Life
Pravesh told the media that he was walking from the fields to a nearby shop in the morning to fetch milk when the leopard, hidden in the crops, lunged at him. Noticing the leopard’s tail, he attempted to run but fell after a short distance. During the attack, he covered his neck with his hands to protect himself from fatal bites.
The teenager continued to struggle with the leopard, repeatedly attempting to put distance between himself and the predator. In a desperate move, he grabbed the leopard by its mouth, twisted its jaw, and broke it, killing the animal instantly. Pravesh sustained multiple injuries, including deep claw marks, and is currently receiving treatment at Arki Hospital. Police and forest department teams have launched an investigation into the incident.
Serious Allegations of HP Forest Department’s Negligence
One of Pravesh’s relatives accused the forest department of negligence, noting that similar attacks had occurred in the area previously.
Earlier, a leopard had attempted to attack a scooter rider, who managed to escape. The family said they had informed the forest department on March 6 about potential danger, but no concrete action was taken. Villagers waited for three hours for a forest team to arrive, but none came. When the Block Officer eventually visited, he reportedly told villagers to ensure their own safety. Requests for cages to capture the leopard were also denied, with officials asking for written complaints instead.
SHIMLA | 7 August 2025 –The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall across Himachal Pradesh over the next two weeks, with isolated heavy to very heavy showers likely over the low hills, plains, and adjoining mid-hill regions. While the ongoing monsoon remains vital for agriculture, it also brings an elevated risk of localized flooding and landslides.
Week of August 8–14
Maximum temperatures will range from 22°C to 34°C, depending on elevation—22°C to 28°C in high hills, 26°C to 30°C in mid-hills, and up to 34°C in lower regions. Minimum temperatures are expected to remain near normal, between 12°C and 24°C. Cooler conditions may persist in districts like Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti.
Week of August 15–21
Similar rainfall patterns are expected to continue, with scattered heavy rain episodes. Temperature trends will remain stable, though slightly below-normal maximum temperatures are likely in parts of Lahaul-Spiti, Mandi, Kangra, and Kullu districts.
Outlook for Late August
Rainfall is expected to remain broadly normal, with region-specific variations. Districts such as Kinnaur, Shimla, and Sirmaur may see below-normal precipitation, while Una, Kangra, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, and Solan are likely to receive above-average rainfall. Both maximum and minimum temperatures are forecast to stay close to seasonal norms.
Officials at the Meteorological Centre in Shimla have urged residents and local authorities to remain alert for sudden heavy downpours, which could disrupt road connectivity and trigger landslides—especially along vulnerable hillside routes. Past monsoon episodes have blocked key highways, including routes between Mandi and Kullu and near Banjar, underscoring the ongoing challenges in the region.
This advisory comes as Himachal Pradesh continues to face the dual pressures of sustaining its agriculture-dependent economy while managing the life and infrastructure risks posed by an active monsoon. Continued vigilance and preparedness remain crucial.
SHIMLA | 7 August 2025 –Himachal Pradesh continues to deal with the impacts of the 2025 monsoon season, reporting extensive property damage, loss of lives, and widespread disruptions across the state. According to the official reports from the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), the Department of Revenue, and the India Meteorological Department, from June 20 to August 6, 2025, heavy monsoon rains caused significant damage across multiple districts:
- Casualties: 199 deaths due to landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, drowning, lightning, electrocution, and accidents; 304 injuries reported.
- Property Loss: Extensive damage to houses (both pucca and kaccha), shops, factories, labor sheds, animal shelters, and substantial crop losses in agriculture and horticulture.
- Public Infrastructure: Over ₹1,900 crore in damages to roads (including PWD), power supply, health, education, fisheries, rural and urban development, and animal husbandry.
Most affected districts include Mandi, Kangra, and Hamirpur, with severe crop and infrastructure losses.
Additionally, 91 deaths occurred due to monsoon-related road accidents.
Public Utilities and Infrastructure Disruptions
The SEOC report dated August 7, 2025, highlights ongoing disruptions:
- Roads Blocked: About 493 major roads and 3 national highways (NH-305, NH-21, NH-05) remain blocked by landslides and floods.
- Power Supply: Disruption of 1,120 distribution transformers (DTRs).
- Water Supply: 245 water schemes affected, threatening access to potable water for communities.
Key blockages include NH-21 between Mandi and Kullu and NH-305 near Banjar and Jhed.
Weather Forecast and Warnings
The India Meteorological Department’s forecast valid from August 7, 2025, includes:
- Isolated heavy rainfall expected throughout the week.
- Thunderstorms and lightning predicted in isolated areas.
- Minimum temperatures near normal or slightly below.
- Maximum temperatures showing a moderate increase.
The public is urged to remain vigilant due to the risks of further landslides and flash floods.
Himachal Pradesh remains vulnerable as the monsoon season continues, with thousands affected by damage, displacement, and disruption of essential services. Authorities are continuing with rescue and recovery operations and are urging residents to stay alert to the ongoing adverse weather. This situation highlights the pressing need for enhanced infrastructure and disaster management strategies to mitigate monsoon-related risks.
Himachal’s LPG Supply Hit Amid Global Tensions, Likely to Affect Hospitality Industry
Himachal Teen Survives 12-Minute Leopard Attack, Kills Predator in Self-Defense
Weather Forecast for Himachal Pradesh For the Next Two Weeks
Monsoon 2025: Himachal Pradesh Suffers 199 Casualties, Over ₹1,905.50 Cr in Damages
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