Government to support natural farming, develop climate-resilient seeds

The government will help one crore farmers across India to take up natural farming in the next two years. They will be supported by certification and branding, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced in Budget 2024 on Tuesday.

The move will promote low-cost natural farming which does not harm the environment and helps farmers cut down the cost of chemicals and fertilizers. The certification and branding will help in effective marketing of natural crops.

Unlike organic farming, which requires external inputs like biofertilizers as well as ploughing and tilling, natural farming requires only mulching and all the inputs are prepared on the farm. Natural farming uses Jeevamrut, Bijamrita, Acchadana (mulching) and Waaphasa (soil aeration).

“Implementation (of natural farming) will be through scientific institutions and willing gram panchayats. 10,000 need-based bio-input resource centres will be established,” she said.

Also Read: How this engineer-MBA farmer earns Rs70 per kg for wheat grown through natural farming

The government will also develop large scale clusters for vegetable production closer to major consumption centres. “We will promote Farmer-Producer Organizations (FPOs), cooperatives, and start-ups for vegetable supply chains including for collection, storage, and marketing,” Sitharaman said.

Climate-resilient seeds

The government will undertake a comprehensive review of the agriculture research set up to bring the focus on raising productivity and developing climate-resilient varieties. “Funding will be provided in challenge mode, including to the private sector. Domain experts both from the government and outside will oversee the conduct of such research,” Sitharaman added.

The government will release 109 new high-yielding and climate-resilient varieties of 32 field and horticulture crops for cultivation by farmers. Climate-resilient crops can withstand changes in the climate like sudden floods or increases in salinity. They provide more stable income to farmers and protection from unforeseen climatic changes.   

 “To achieve self-sufficiency in pulses and oilseeds, we will strengthen their production, storage, and marketing. As announced in the interim budget, a strategy is being put in place to achieve ‘Atmanirbharta’ for oil seeds such as mustard, groundnut, sesame, soybean, and sunflower,” the Finance Minister added.

Also Read: Bengaluru techie-turned-farmer creates profitable ecospace with 350 forgotten foods and herbs

Look up our YouTube Channel