Vice President, M. Venkaiah Naidu today underlined the importance of organic farming for sustainable and stable development. He said that natural resources such as soil and water are not unlimited and the future of mankind depends on their conservation.
Addressing a gathering after releasing the book titled ‘Bhumi Suposhan’ (meaning – soil nutrition) published by Akshay Krishi Parivar at Upa-Rashtrapati Nivas on Monday, he expressed his concern over the degradation of soil due to the overuse of pesticides and fertilizers and stressed the need for creating awareness on this important issue.
He also said that unchecked extraction of ground water is fast depleting our groundwater table leading to a reduction in moisture content in the soil, thus turning fertile land into barren land.
Listing out various benefits of organic farming, the Vice President opined that it not only improves soil health but also reduces farmers’ input costs. Locally available resources such as cow dung and waste organic matter can be used to prepare low-cost organic manure, thus increasing farmers’ income, he added.
Mentioning that around six lakh farmers are practicing organic farming on approximately 38 lakh hectares of land in India, the Vice President expressed his happiness over the fact that many hilly states successfully adopted organic farming.
He said that the smaller states have shown that organic farming is particularly beneficial to our small and marginal farmers. He said that there is a growing awareness among the masses about the harmful effects of chemical farming and they are willing to pay for organic products.
Naidu also stressed the need for the popularization of traditional farming practices. He wanted agricultural universities to focus more on organic and natural farming and promote innovation and agri-entrepreneurship among the youth.
Praising Akshya Krishi Parivar for bringing out ‘Bhumi Suposhan’ – a commemorative publication of the Nationwide Bhumi Suposhan and Samrakshan Abhiyan, the Vice President wanted this book to be translated into Indian languages so that it could reach the maximum number of farmers.
Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shree Kadsiddheshwar Swamiji, Kaneri Math, Maharashtra, Bhagaiah, Member of the National Executive and Ex Sah-Sarkaryawah, Rashriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Manoj Solanki, President, Akshay Krishi Parivar and Dr GR Chintala Govindarajulu, NABARD Chairman were present.
