The state government will provide 35% to 75% subsidy to farmers in herbal farming
Ashish Kumar Bharmoria
95 species of medicinal plants including sarpgandha, ashwagandha, brahmi, kalmegh, satabari, tulsi, aloe vera, artimisia etc have been included in the subsidy list by the state government. Under the plan, farmers will have to constitute a cluster in two hectares (26 beeghas) of land. Since holding so much land together is difficult in hilly areas, therefore four to five farmers can together make a cluster in a radius of five kilometres. The government will provide grant on plantation of any of herbal plant included in its list. Due to lack of awareness, this important policy of government has not reached to maximum of public. This plan could prove to be a boon for Himachali farmers that are victim of monkey menace.
Benefits Of Herbal Plants
One major benefit of practising farming of herbal plants is that monkeys do not eat them. Besides this, it also adds to the productivity of soil that boosts production of next crop to be produced on that land. Since herbal plants are used for preparing medicines, farmers have a well established market for their produce. So, no worries of searching new markets for the produce.