Himachal budget highlights: Hike in milk prices, 500 new e-buses, STF to combat drug abuse, and more

Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu presented the state's budget on Monday. The budget indroduced an increase in milk prices, alongside measures to promote religious tourism and boost natural farming.

Cow milk will now cost Rs 51 per litre in the state, up from Rs 45, and buffalo milk will be priced at Rs 61 per litre, up from Rs 55.

Acknowledging the state's financial difficulties, Sukhu said that nearly 70 per cent of the loans taken by the government had been used to repay previous debts and interest payments.

In a major plan to expand natural farming, Sukhu government will target one lakh more farmers in FY26. So far, 1.58 lakh farmers have already adopted natural farming methods in the state.

He also announced a Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs 90 per kg for farmers cultivating turmeric through natural farming methods.

Aiming to increase revenue related to tourism-related activities, the government has proposed initiatives to attract more visitors by developing lesser-known religious places and other destinations in the state.

Sukhu also announced constitution of a Special Task Force (STF) to combat drug abuse in Himachal Pradesh.

About 500 electric buses will be purchased in 2025-26 and a provision to start the Shimla Ropeway project has also been made in the budget.