Himachal Budget 2025-26: Announcement of relief packages for new tourism startups and farmers

Shimla, March 17, 2025. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu presented the state budget 2025-26 in the assembly today. The main focus of this budget is youth empowerment, tourism growth, farmers’ welfare and rural development.If you are a youth, farmer or entrepreneur of Himachal Pradesh, then this budget can be very exciting and beneficial for you!So let’s discuss the biggest announcements one by one in detail.

1. Tourism Startup Scheme: Big opportunity for Himachali youth!

Tourism is one of the biggest economy drivers of Himachal Pradesh. That is why “Tourism Startup Yojana” has been announced to give new opportunities to the youth in this.

Key Highlights of this Yojana:

✅ 5% Interest Subsidy – If you are a Himachali youth and want to build a hotel or homestay, then the government will give 5% interest subsidy on your loan!

✅ Focus on Rural Tourism – Eco-tourism, cultural tourism and adventure tourism will be promoted.

✅ Employment Growth – This will create new job and business opportunities for the youths of Himachal.

✅ Easy Loan Process – The process of taking a bank loan will be made simple and fast-tracked.If you are an entrepreneur from Himachal or want to start your business in the tourism sector, then this is the perfect time.

2. Relief for Farmers: One-Time Settlement Policy and Loan Subsidy Agriculture and farming are the livelihood of many people of Himachal Pradesh. But due to loans and financial crisis, farmers have to face many challenges.For this reason, the government has launched a new One-Time Settlement Policy (OTS).

Special Announcements for Farmers:

✅ Interest Subsidy on Loan up to ₹3 Lakh – For those farmers who have not repaid loan up to ₹3 lakh, the government will bear 50% interest.

✅ New Agricultural Loan Scheme – New subsidized loan schemes will be introduced for farmers.

✅ Jungle Suraksha Yojana – The government will provide subsidy for farm fencing to save crops from wild animals.These schemes will bring great relief to small and medium farmers.

3. MSP (Minimum Support Price) Increase for Crops & Dairy Products Another good news for farmers and dairy industry people is that MSP has been increased!

New MSP Rates:

✅ Maize (Maize) – ₹40/kg (increase from previous ₹30/kg)

✅ Wheat (Gehun) – ₹60/kg (increase from previous ₹40/kg)

✅ Cow Milk – ₹51/litre (earlier it was ₹45/litre)

✅ Buffalo Milk – ₹61/litre (earlier it was ₹55/litre)

✅ Turmeric (Haldi) – ₹90/kg minimum support price has been kept.

Dairy farmers will also be given extra transportation assistance of ₹2/litre.This will provide direct financial benefit to farmers and milk producers.

4. Irrigation Projects: Investment of ₹10 Crore in 100 villages Water supply and irrigation is a big challenge for the farmers of Himachal. For this reason, the government has planned to start new irrigation projects in 100 villages.

Irrigation Projects Highlights:

✅ Investment of ₹10 Crore in irrigation and water supply.

✅ Implementation of drip and modern irrigation techniques.

✅ Focus on water storage and reservoir development.

This project will have a direct impact on the productivity and yield of the farmers of Himachal.

5. Spice Park in Hamirpur and Potato Processing Plant in Una The farmers of Himachal Pradesh are active in the production of spices and potatoes. Now the government is starting new projects to improve their processing and marketing.

New Agro-Based Projects:

✅ Spice Park in Hamirpur – In which farmers will get help in processing spices, storing and selling them in the market.

✅ Potato Processing Plant worth ₹20 crore in Una – In which farmers can directly process and sell potatoes.

✅ Turmeric farmers get ₹90/Kg MSP – So that farmers can get better rates.

These new processing plants will help in boosting the income of farmers.

6. ₹100 Crore Plantation Project: Youth & Women Groups will get support In Himachal Pradesh, environment conservation has been given a major priority. For this reason, the government has announced a ₹100 crore tree plantation initiative.

Key Highlights of Plantation:

✅ Women and Youth Mandals will be given a grant of ₹1 lakh.

✅ If the planted trees survive 100%, an extra ₹1 lakh per year will be given for 5 years.

✅ ₹2.40 lakh assistance will be given for farm fencing.This initiative will not only benefit the environment, but will also generate employment.

7. Wages of MGNREGA workers and Panchayat Representatives have been Increased wages and allowances have been increased to make rural employment and village governance stronger.

New Wages & Allowances:

✅ MGNREGA Daily Wage – ₹320 (earlier it was ₹300).

✅ Panchayat Representatives Allowances:Zila Parishad President & VP: ₹1000 increment.Panchayat Samiti Members: ₹300-600 hike.Gram Panchayat Members: ₹300 per meeting.

This increase will benefit both the rural economy and governance.

Conclusion: The major focus of Himachal Pradesh Budget 2025-26 is on youth and farmers.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Tourism Startup Yojana – New business opportunity for youth.

✅ Loan Relief & MSP Increase for Farmers – Farming and dairy business will get a boost.

✅ Irrigation & Processing Plants – The future of the agricultural sector has been secured.

✅ Environment Conservation & Plantation Projects – The vision of Green Himachal will be fulfilled.

✅ MGNREGA and Panchayat Wages Increase – Rural employment and governance will be strong.

What do you think? Can this budget be a game-changer for Himachal’s youth and farmers? Do share your views in the comments!

Disclaimer: This article is written for information and knowledge purposes only. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the budget announcements and schemes mentioned in it, but it is mandatory to refer to government documents and official announcements.We are not responsible for any policy, scheme, or budget changes. Before availing the scheme, please get information from the concerned government department or official website.