NITI Aayog Hosts National Workshop on Natural Farming

Promoting Sustainable Agriculture

New Delhi, March 2: NITI Aayog has initiated a two-day national workshop focused on natural farming as part of its State Support Mission (SSM). This event gathered farmers, policymakers, scientists, startups, and civil society representatives from across the nation to explore strategies for advancing sustainable agricultural practices.

A significant feature of the workshop was the introduction of new training manuals on natural farming, available in both Hindi and English.

These manuals aim to offer practical, region-specific advice to farmers, extension officers, and field workers, facilitating a smoother transition to natural farming techniques.

The event included a virtual address from Acharya Devvrat, the Governor of Gujarat and Maharashtra, who emphasized the importance of adopting sustainable, farmer-centric agricultural systems.

He remarked, “Natural farming can enhance soil health, lower chemical input costs, and gradually boost farmers’ incomes.”

Prominent agricultural and research institutions, such as Junagadh Agricultural University and Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, contributed to the discussions, enriching the dialogue on natural farming practices.

Farmers, agricultural officers, and scientists from Krishi Vigyan Kendras in states like Punjab, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra participated, reflecting a strong nationwide commitment to natural farming.

Officials from various central bodies discussed essential topics such as certification, market access, financial assistance, and institutional coordination to support farmers in adopting natural farming.

The workshop also welcomed participation from agri-startups, civil society organizations, and farmer producer groups, showcasing the expanding ecosystem surrounding natural farming in India.

On the first day, approximately 770 participants engaged in the sessions. An open forum allowed farmers and practitioners to voice their concerns and share challenges related to adoption, certification, and market access.

There was a consensus on the necessity for enhanced field demonstrations, scientific validation, and farmer-led initiatives to foster confidence in natural farming.

The second day was dedicated to field visits and live demonstrations, where participants observed natural farming practices firsthand, including methods for various exotic crops and the preparation of bio-inputs using both manual and automated techniques.