Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Advocates for Chemical-Free Farming in Lucknow
Shivraj Singh Chouhan addressed the "Regional Consultation Program on the Science of Natural Farming" today in Lucknow. He emphasized fulfilling the Prime Minister's vision of "saving Mother Earth from chemicals," advocating for chemical-free farming to ensure the health of future generations. He encouraged farmers to practice natural farming on part of their land for three years with the promise of a subsidy. Singh noted that while initial yields may be lower, the government will provide subsidies, and farmers will receive 1.5 times more for their naturally farmed produce.
He announced that laboratories will be set up in the country’s agricultural universities to support and research natural farming, boosting the country’s food reserves. Singh also mentioned an initiative to educate one crore farmers about natural farming, aiming to promote it nationwide through a national level awareness campaign.
Acharya Devvrat differentiated between natural and organic farming, explaining the benefits of natural farming, including its lower water requirement and benefits to farmers. He commended the government's newfound appreciation for natural farming.
Yogi Adityanath highlighted steps to promote natural farming products in Uttar Pradesh, including improving certification laboratories across six agricultural universities. He mentioned the state's four agricultural universities, 89 Krishi Vigyan Kendras, and two central agricultural universities dedicated to this cause.