ENA Sectors 2025-06-23 17:24:38 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Shimla, Jun 23 (KNN)</strong> In a recent departmental review chaired by Agriculture Minister Chander Kumar, the integration of Geographic Information System (GIS) technology into Himachal Pradeshs snow‑agriculture initiative drew enthusiastic support.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">With a Rs 5.47 crore allocation for the scheme, the state has rolled out GIS-based cluster mapping pilots across five districts, working in collaboration with GIS‑India experts. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">GIS tools, noted the minister, enable rapid and precise delineation of agricultural clusters a necessity given the region's dynamic climatic and geographical conditions .</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">This innovative mapping framework aims to empower officials to analyse terrain, soil, and crop patterns quickly, supporting optimal resource deployment, efficient supply chain operations, and targeted farmer outreach.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The pilot phase paves the way for scaling these capabilities across more regions in the state.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The meeting also addressed other agricultural priorities. Chief among them was the reboot of seed potato production, which had been dormant since 2018 but was reinstated this Kharif season . </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Additionally, natural farming practices are being progressively adopted on state-run farms&mdash;20 30 per cent of them now transitioning to such methods, with 48,685 farmers already onboard and an active push to involve 100,000 farmers.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">To further the cause, the government has earmarked select departmental model farms&mdash;like those at Joginder Nagar, Jhular (Kangra), Dalang (Lahaul‑Spiti), Thulel (Chamba), and Manjhauli (Nalagarh, Solan)&mdash;for up‑gradation and revival.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Minister Kumar called these steps essential to a sustainable agricultural roadmap adapted to evolving environmental and economic demands.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><em><strong>(KNN Bureau)</strong></em></span></p> 42551 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/sectors/gis-technology-boosts-cluster-mapping-in-himachal-agriculture 2025-06-23 17:24:38 knnindia.co.in