Organic Farming: What was the main objective of the organic farming workshop organized in Dantewada? What suggestions did Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap give to increase the income of farmers? What information did agricultural scientists give to farmers regarding organic farming and natural farming techniques?
Emphasis is being laid across the country to make farming more sustainable, profitable and environment friendly. In this context, an important initiative has been taken to promote organic farming in Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh. A one-day organic farming workshop was organized with the aim of motivating farmers towards natural farming by reducing their dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
A large number of farmers, rural youth, women self-help groups and agricultural experts participated in this workshop organized under the joint aegis of Krishi Vigyan Kendra and Agriculture Department. The main objective of the program was to connect farmers with modern organic farming techniques and make farming more profitable.
Organic farming is the foundation of a healthy society and strong agricultural system.
Addressing the program, State Forest, Transport, Cooperation and Parliamentary Affairs Minister and Minister in-charge of Dantewada district, Shri Kedar Kashyap said that there is immense potential for organic farming in the district. He said that the geographical conditions of Dantewada and the hard work of the farmers make it an ideal area for organic farming. He said that organic farming is not just a medium of production, but it is also linked to people’s health, environmental protection and secure future of the coming generations. By adopting organic practices, farmers can maintain soil fertility and produce quality agricultural products.
Government’s special focus on increasing farmers’ income
Shri Kedar Kashyap said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Central Government is running various schemes to encourage natural and organic farming. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, the state government is also continuously making efforts to strengthen the economic condition of farmers and the development of the agricultural sector. He appealed to the farmers to plant more and more saplings on the ridges of their fields and said that this will promote land conservation, water conservation and environmental balance. Besides, farmers can also get additional income opportunities.
Organic farming can become the new identity of Dantewada
Regional MLA Shri Chautram Atami said that many farmers of the district are already getting better production and good income by adopting natural and organic farming. He said that Krishi Vigyan Kendra is playing an important role in making farming more profitable by connecting farmers with scientific information, training and modern technologies. He also appealed to the farmers to take maximum advantage of departmental schemes and training programmes.
Advanced agricultural techniques taught to farmers
During the workshop, scientists of Krishi Vigyan Kendra gave many important information related to organic farming to the farmers. It included topics like use of green manure, bio-fertilizer, vermicompost, natural pest and disease management, value addition and marketing of organic products. The experts also addressed the problems and queries of the farmers, inspiring them to adopt new technologies in their farms.
Various departments set up exhibition stalls
In the program, exhibition stalls were set up by Agriculture Department, Horticulture Department, Animal Husbandry Department, Fisheries Department, Krishi Vigyan Kendra and Bhumgadi Sanstha. Through these stalls, farmers were given information about various government schemes, agricultural innovations and modern technologies. Apart from this, agricultural inputs and mango plants were also distributed to the farmers, which will help them in promoting farming and horticulture.
Women’s groups showed example of innovation
One of the highlights of the program was the products prepared by women self-help groups. Women associated with Krishi Vigyan Kendra displayed a cake prepared from Ragi, which was appreciated by the people present. Chief guest Shri Kedar Kashyap, after cutting the Ragi cake, praised the efforts of women groups and said that value addition based activities can become an effective medium to increase the income of rural women and strengthen self-reliance.
Why is this initiative important for farmers?
Experts believe that amidst rising costs, deteriorating soil quality and environmental challenges, organic farming is emerging as an important option for the future sustainable agricultural system. If farmers get proper training, market and technical support, organic farming can play an important role in increasing their income as well as in environmental protection. This workshop organized in Dantewada is being considered an important step in this direction, which can help in establishing the district as a model of organic agriculture in the future.