Shimla, May 17 -- The Himachal government on Friday started the procurement of organic wheat from Bilaspur district, said officials.

The move comes after the hike in minimum support prices (MSP) for naturally cultivated crops by the chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led Congress government.

The purchase began at centres in Ghumarwin and Bilaspur and the government procured over 22 quintals from 17 farmers. Approximately 7.8 metric tonnes wheat is likely to be procured this season in Bilaspur district.

The procurement comes under the agriculture department's Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA) project, in collaboration with Himachal Pradesh State Civil Supplies Corporation.

Bilaspur deputy commissioner Rahul Kumar visit...