Prime Minister Modi Advocates for Natural Farming to Boost Crop Yield and Reduce Chemical Fertilizers

Strategic Insights -

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the benefits of natural farming, stating that it can improve the condition of small farmers who comprise 80% of the total farmers in the country. He appealed to the state governments to make natural farming a people's movement, citing the positive effects already visible in Gujarat and the rising interest in Himachal Pradesh. Modi also highlighted the need to reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which not only increase the cost of farming but also affect the health of farmers and consumers.

Key Takeaways:

  • Small farmers owning less than two hectare land can derive maximum benefit from natural farming, as stated by Prime Minister Modi.
  • Natural farming can reduce the need for irrigation and help in countering floods and droughts.
  • Farmers can harvest multiple crops through natural farming, as mentioned by Modi.
  • The Prime Minister asked farmers to experiment with natural farming on a small portion of their land to gauge its profitability.
  • Investors were encouraged to invest in organic and natural farming, a trend that Modi described as apt for the current agricultural sector.
  • Modi highlighted the myths surrounding natural farming, stating that good harvests are possible without chemical fertilizers.
  • The Prime Minister expressed the need to address the tradition of burning crop residue, calling it a mistake that reduces the productivity of the earth.

Statistics:

  • 80% of the total farmers in the country are small farmers who can benefit from natural farming.
  • Thousands of farmers have taken up natural farming in many states, with some being start-up firms belonging to youngsters.
  • The positive effects of natural farming are already visible in many parts of Gujarat.
  • The attraction for natural farming is rising rapidly in Himachal Pradesh.

Sources:

  • Bhupendra Patel (@Bhupendrapbjp) on Twitter
  • Press statement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the national conclave on natural farming in Gujarat
  • Contify.com, distributed by IE Online Media Services Pvt. Ltd.