NITI Aayog on Monday announced that it organized a two-day national workshop on Natural Farming under its State Support Mission (SSM). The workshop brought together farmers, policymakers, scientists, agri-innovators, and representatives of social organizations from across the country to discuss strategies for promoting sustainable agriculture in India.
Launch of Natural Farming Training Manuals
A key highlight of the event was the release of new Natural Farming training manuals in Hindi and English. These handbooks are designed to provide practical, region-specific guidance to farmers, agricultural extension officers, and field-level workers, enabling them to effectively adopt natural farming practices.
The manuals aim to simplify implementation and strengthen grassroots capacity building in sustainable agriculture.
Governor Acharya Devvrat Emphasizes Farmer-Centric Agriculture
Acharya Devvrat, Governor of Gujarat and Maharashtra, addressed the workshop virtually. He stressed the need to transition toward a sustainable and farmer-focused agricultural system.
He stated that natural farming can improve soil health, reduce chemical input costs, and enhance farmers’ income over time.
Participation from Leading Agricultural Institutions
Several prominent agricultural and research institutions participated in the discussions, including:
- Junagadh Agricultural University
- Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry
- Gujarat Natural Agriculture Science University
Their participation added scientific depth and credibility to the discussions around natural farming methodologies.
Farmers, agricultural officers, and scientists from Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) across Punjab, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Odisha also attended, reflecting nationwide interest in natural farming.
Focus on Certification, Market Linkages and Financial Support
Officials from key central ministries and departments shared insights on certification processes, market linkages, financial assistance, and institutional coordination to support farmers transitioning to natural farming.
The workshop also saw participation from agri-innovation enterprises, farmer producer organizations (FPOs), and experienced experts, indicating the development of a broad ecosystem supporting natural farming in India.
Interactive Sessions and Field Demonstrations
On the first day, around 770 participants attended various sessions. Open discussions allowed farmers and experts to raise concerns related to certification, adoption challenges, and market access.
Participants agreed that building trust in natural farming requires:
- Regional field demonstrations
- Scientific validation
- Farmer-led model success stories
The second day focused on field visits and live demonstrations. Attendees observed natural farming techniques for different crops and learned about the preparation of bio-input solutions, both manually and through automated systems.
Strengthening India’s Sustainable Agriculture Vision
The workshop under NITI Aayog’s State Support Mission reflects the government’s commitment to promoting eco-friendly, cost-effective, and sustainable agricultural practices.
With growing institutional support and farmer participation, natural farming is emerging as a key pillar in India’s journey toward resilient and environmentally sustainable agriculture.
