Imphal: Manipur Governor Anusuiya said on Friday that people are now cautious about their health, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.
“People are now avoiding non organic foods, and all are conscious of consuming organic foods, which are free from fertilizers and pesticides. Large scale adoption of natural farming processes will be the best option to cater to the needs of people, ” she said.
The governor said modern agriculture has increased the rate of food production and made the country self-sufficient, but at the same time we are facing many problems. By using fertilizers and pesticides, soil degradation has increased and is polluting our environment.
She was speaking during the inauguration of an international conference here.
The Governor also opened an exhibition on the natural farming products of innovative farmers from Manipur and other North Eastern States.
The governor further stated that NITI Aayog organized a national consultation in which the Indian natural farming system was discussed. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research constituted a committee to develop natural farming courses and materials at the UG and PG levels. Anusuiya said, to promote natural farming in the country, schemes like the National Agriculture Development Scheme and the Indian Natural Farming System have been introduced, and a total of Rs. 4980.99 lakh has been released.
The government has set a target of helping one crore farmers adopt natural farming in the next three years, she added. Governor Patel expressed confidence that the convention’s deliberations will yield good steps that will help to develop natural farming not only in India but also in many other countries around the world.
Manipur Works Minister Govindas Konthoujam said, as a result of technological advancement , agricultural production has increased considerably. But there have been many issues in health and the environment. Therefore, natural farming is the best farming method, and it is to be developed to new heights. Delegates from Bangladesh, Nepal, Singapore, Thailand, Germany, England, and the U.S., will be participating in eight technical sessions during the three-day conference.
