K M Dayashankar
HYDERABAD, JUNE 14, 2O24: “There is a need to redesign the curriculum and research agenda to equally support both chemical and natural farming,” said Padmashree Awardee and Natural Farming Practitioner and Co-Founder of SAMBHAV of Odisha Sabarmatee Tiki.
Participating as the chief guest at a programme on ‘Regional Consultation on Science of Natural Farming’ organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Govt. of India on Friday at National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), Hyderabad, Sabarmatee Tiki said, “Despite heavy investment in chemical farming, hunger remains as a problem. In contrast, natural farming not only ensures food security but also ensures soil, nutrients, and biodiversity security.”
Urging for a shift in the scientific community’s attitude towards natural farming, Sabarmatee called for research policies to allocate equal budgets to both chemical and natural farming and stressed that the widespread use of chemicals, such as insecticides, fungicides, weedicides, and chemical growth hormones aimed at accelerating plant or food growth, would have severe adverse effects on human health.
Joint Secretary (INM), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Govt. of India Dr. Yogita Rana emphasized the need for a mass movement to popularise natural farming in order to save from adverse effects of chemical farming and ensure human health. She suggested learning from practicing farmers, establishing natural farming models, involving Gram Panchayats to spread awareness, and organizing training programs, workshops, and conferences.
Speaking on the occasion, Director General of MANAGE Dr. P. Chandra Shekara said that the programme was aimed at exchanging knowledge, exploring innovative solutions, and brainstorming the key issues on science of Natural Farming. Making a presentation on the ‘Role of MANAGE in Promoting Natural Farming’, Dr Chandr Shekara highlighted the organization’s efforts in promoting natural farming. “MANAGE has been sensitizing Gram Panchayats, training Krishi Sakhis, developing Master Trainers and organizing regular training, workshops, and orientation programs on natural farming practices,” he remarked. An Exhibition displaying natural farming products was also organized on the occasion. More than 300 participants, including professors, agricultural officials, researchers, scientists, and agripreneurs across the country attended the event.
