PM Modi Advocates Natural Farming for Sustainable Agriculture
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is making a strong push for natural farming in India to address the pressing issues of soil fertility decline and rising agricultural costs. Speaking at the South India Natural Farming Summit in Coimbatore, he emphasized the need for farmers to adopt sustainable practices, urging them to start with the 'one acre, one season' initiative. This approach allows farmers to experiment with natural farming methods on a smaller scale before scaling up based on their results.
The summit attracted over 50,000 participants, including farmers, agricultural scientists, and organic input suppliers from across southern states. The aim is to accelerate the shift towards eco-friendly farming practices and help create market linkages for farmer-producer organizations and rural entrepreneurs. Modi noted that sustainable agriculture is not just a necessity but also part of India’s vision for a developed nation.
In his address, Modi highlighted the significant transformation in the agriculture sector over the past 11 years, pointing out that agricultural exports have doubled. He mentioned that the Indian government has provided over Rs 10 lakh crore in assistance to farmers through various schemes, including Kisan Credit Cards (KCC). The reduction in GST on bio-fertilisers has also greatly supported farmers in adopting more sustainable practices.
Addressing the farmers of Tamil Nadu, Modi remarked on the successful natural farming practices seen in neighboring states like Kerala and Karnataka, where farmers grow multiple crops together, including spices and grains. He praised these regions as living examples of effective agricultural methods.
As part of the event, the Prime Minister also announced the release of over Rs 18,000 crore as the 21st installment of the PM-Kisan scheme. This initiative will provide direct financial support to approximately 9 crore farmers across the country, with each eligible farmer receiving Rs 6,000 annually, distributed in three installments.
Modi's visit to Coimbatore, marked by a grand roadshow, reflects the government's commitment to modernizing agriculture and supporting farmers. The South India Natural Farming Summit is not just an event but a step towards fostering a sustainable agricultural future in India, where natural farming practices can help restore soil health and increase productivity.
