According to the recommendations of the “Expert Group,” the eight schemes being implemented under the department, which have a similar objective and to avoid duplication of activities, were merged into a single scheme named “Mukhyamantri Krishi Sanvardhan Yojana” in the year 2022-23. Under this scheme, an expenditure of ₹20 crore will be incurred in the year 2025-26.

The main objective of the scheme is as follows:-

1. Cluster based vegetable production scheme.
2. Input based umbrella scheme (Seed, PPM & Fertilizers).
3. Strengthening of Seed Multiplication Chain.
4. Strengthening of laboratories.

(1) Cluster based Vegetable Production Scheme

Common and leafy vegetables provide essential nutrients, vitamins, etc., and are an important part of human food and nutritional security, which will help in achieving Sustainable Development Goal-2: Zero Hunger.
Earlier, under various schemes run by the Agriculture Department, 87,000 hectares of area in the state were brought under vegetable production, which is 16% of the total cultivated area. However, there is potential to expand this area up to 1,63,000 hectares, which would constitute 30% of the total cultivated area. Therefore, to fully utilize the vegetable production potential in the state, the department has proposed a “Group Approach” to gradually involve the entire state in vegetable production.
The main objective of this approach is to promote the production of economically competitive vegetable crops in the state and to increase farmers’ income. This perspective will also provide employment opportunities to rural youth and women farmers through agricultural enterprises and small-scale industries.

(2) Input based umbrella scheme (Seed, Plant Protection Material &Fertilizer)

(i) Seeds: Seeds are an important basic input that ensures crop production and productivity. To increase crop productivity, it is proposed to encourage farmers of all categories by providing a 50% subsidy on seeds of cereals, pulses, oilseeds, and fodder crops, and a 25% subsidy on seeds of potato, ginger, and turmeric. In the year 2023-24, under this component, 60,000 farmers in the state were allocated seeds and benefited. A budget provision of ₹25.83 crore has been made for the year 2025-26.

(ii) Fertilizer: Fertilizers are another important input that contributes significantly to ensuring crop production. To encourage farmers to use balanced fertilizers, the government has formulated a policy to provide subsidies on mixed fertilizers. For the year 2023-24, ₹515.63 lakh were spent on fertilizer subsidies. A budget provision of ₹1.46 crore has been made for the year 2025-26.

(iii) Plant Protection Materials: Pest and disease outbreaks in crops can hinder the achievement of targeted production. Appropriate control measures need to be adopted to keep the number of pests and diseases below the economic threshold level, thereby minimizing losses. The state government has decided, under state-sponsored schemes, to promote non-chemical methods for the protection of crops.

(3) Strengthening of Seed Multiplication Chain

At present, there are a total of 36 departmental farms covering an area of 464 hectares, of which 227 hectares of cultivable land are under various crops such as rice, mash (horse gram), soybean, wheat, seed potato, rajma, etc. These government farms produce approximately 17,000 quintals of basic seeds annually, which are further multiplied by progressive farmers in the state as certified seeds. Seed production is an important agricultural activity and an integral part of the seed chain, which will help the state develop as self-reliant in seeds and reduce dependence on seed purchases from neighbouring states. Keeping the above facts in mind, to ensure quality seed production in the interest of the farming community, the state’s government farms will be strengthened by allocating the necessary funds and manpower. A budget provision of ₹1.91 crore has been made for the year 2025-26.

(4) Strengthening of Laboratories (Fertiliser Testing, Soil Testing, Bio-control, Seed Testing, Bio-fertiliser and State Pesticide Testing Laboratory)

The Agriculture Department is operating 11 soil testing labs, 3 fertilizer testing labs, 3 seed testing labs, 2 bio-control labs, 1 state-level pesticide testing lab, and 1 bio-fertilizer production and quality control laboratory. For soil health assessment, the Agriculture Department provides soil testing to farmers free of cost. In addition, to provide farmers with quality inputs, quality control laboratories for seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, etc., are being operated across the state. Furthermore, to promote non-chemical methods of pest control, two bio-control laboratories are functioning in the districts of Kangra and Mandi. These laboratories conduct free demonstrations of the use of bio-agents, bio-pesticides, traps, and lures in farmers’ fields.A budget provision of ₹4.49 lakh has been made for the year 2025-26.