Farmers in Himachal Pradesh crushed under the weight of agricultural debt are set to receive meaningful relief as the state government launches a new scheme under a one-time settlement policy. The initiative is designed specifically to help farmers whose land is on the verge of being auctioned by financial institutions because of unpaid loan dues, offering them a structured path out of the debt crisis.
What the Scheme Offers
The government will absorb 50 percent of the outstanding interest on agricultural loans of up to ₹3 lakh per farmer. Approximately 6,356 farmers across the state are expected to benefit from this relief. To fund the programme, the government has set aside ₹50 crore.
Implementation Through Cooperative Banks
Two cooperative institutions have been assigned to execute the scheme on the ground: the Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Agriculture and Rural Development Bank, and the Kangra Cooperative Agriculture and Rural Development Bank. Branches of these banks will identify eligible farmers, prepare their lists, and ensure that the interest subsidy reaches the correct beneficiaries without delay.
Chief Minister's Statement
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that farmers are the backbone of the state's economy and their welfare is the government's foremost priority. He acknowledged that many farmers have been facing grave financial hardships due to adverse conditions, and said the government has decided to provide this one-time relief to all eligible farmers as a direct response to their distress.
Relief from the Threat of Land Auction
The scheme directly addresses one of the most pressing fears among debt-ridden farmers: the risk of their agricultural land being put up for auction by financial institutions. With the state taking on half the interest burden, farmers will find it considerably easier to regularise their loan accounts. This is expected to ease their financial stress and allow them to continue farming without interruption.
Swift Rollout Ordered
Chief Minister Sukhu has directed all concerned departments and financial institutions to put the scheme into effect as quickly as possible, so that eligible farmers receive the benefit in time. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to shielding farmers from economic hardship and to strengthening the agricultural sector through every available means.
Natural Farming Gets a Boost
Alongside this debt relief initiative, the state government is also actively promoting natural farming. Historic support prices are being extended for crops grown without chemical inputs, producing a dual benefit: consumers gain access to chemical-free food products, while farmers and the broader rural economy experience a steady rise in income. Chief Minister Sukhu said the government is working with full commitment to ensure prosperity and long-term stability through agriculture in Himachal Pradesh, while protecting the interests of farmers at every step.
