The Prime Minister said that small farmers with less than two hectares of land can get maximum benefits from natural farming. Narendra Modi Virtually addressing the first national conference on the subject at Anand, Gujarat on Thursday. He also said that the positive effects of natural farming are already visible in Gujarat.
“The people who will benefit the most from natural farming are small farmers who constitute 80 per cent of the total farmers in the country. These small farmers spend a lot of money on chemical fertilisers. If they turn to natural farming, their condition will improve,” Modi said at the conference organized as a part of the Pre-Vibrant Gujarat Summit for the Agriculture Sector at Anand Agricultural University.
“I am glad that over the years, thousands of farmers in many states have taken up natural farming and some of them are youth-related start-up firms… The experiences of farmers in the states where they have taken up natural farming are encouraging. In Gujarat, we had started efforts for natural farming long back. Today its positive impact can be seen in many parts of the state. Similarly in Himachal Pradesh, the attraction for this type of farming is increasing rapidly. I appeal to all the state governments to come forward to make natural farming a mass movement: Modi
Agriculture Minister, Government of India Shri nstomar Mr and Honorable Governor of Gujarat @ADevvrat Ji had an invaluable opportunity to be present. (2/3) pic.twitter.com/UyqlZ1mcNV
— Bhupendra Patel (@Bhupendrapbjp) December 16, 2021
Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat were also present in this program.
Modi said that at least one village in every panchayat should do natural farming.
“It is true that chemical fertilizers played an important role during the Green Revolution but it is also true that we have to work out alternatives. We import pesticides and chemical fertilizers in large quantities and this increases the cost of farming And food becomes costly for the poor. This problem is also linked to the health of farmers and all other people of the country. Hence, it is important to be alert and aware,” he said.
Modi also said that it is time to take “big steps” and take agriculture out of “chemical laboratories” and connect it with nature. “Many experts say that indigenous breeds of cows can help in increasing soil fertility and productivity. Experts say that dung and cow urine can create cultures that can not only protect crops but also increase fertility.
Advocating natural farming, Modi said, “In this form of agriculture, there is no need to spend on fertilizers or pesticides. The need for irrigation is reduced and it helps in combating floods and droughts.” He said that with natural farming, farmers can harvest many crops.
The prime minister also asked farmers to “experiment” with natural farming on a small portion of their land. “If you find it profitable you can expand the field,” he said. He then addressed the investors and said that this is the right time to invest in organic and natural farming.
Talking about the tradition of burning crop residues, Modi said such practices are mistakes. “As we learn anew, we have to forget the mistakes that have been made in agricultural processes. Experts say that burning of the field reduces the productivity of the earth. If we bake clay, it turns into a brick. Similarly, there is a myth that a good crop is not possible without chemical fertilisers. The truth is just the opposite,” he said. Modi also thanked the Governor of Gujarat for sharing his personal experience and explaining the benefits of natural farming.
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