Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh called upon farmers groups, NGOs and other stake holders to adopt organic farming in order to free the soil and environment from deadly chemicals. He asked them to usher in Organic Farming Revolution in the country.
Organic farming has the potential to provide livelihood to farmers and create employment opportunities for rural and urban people, he said while addressing Jaivik Krishi Sammelan organised by the National Centre of Organic Farming in Pandit Deen Dayal Dham, Mathura.
Sustainable production can be achieved through organic farming by way of improvement in soil health and fertility. The Minister said that the Modi government launched a new initiative the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and Rs 1307 crore has been allocated to promote organic farming on cluster mode in the country.
With the successful implementation of PKVY, Mission Organic Value Chain Development (MOVCD) and APEDA, more than 23.02 lakh hectares have been brought under certified organic farming till date in the country, he informed.
He added that the demand for Indian organic produce is high in the global market. During 2016-17, India produced 15 lakh tonne organic produce, where in, the export volume was 3.64 lakh tonne with value of Rs 2478 crore whereas the domestic market size is estimated at Rs 2000 crore which is expected to touch Rs 10000 crore in the next three years.
Singh expressed happiness over NCOF developing multi-action waste decomposer and its simple mass multiplication technology for farmers.
Singh said that the Modi government is committed to promoting organic farming and is providing every possible help to farmers for the development of organic farming in the country.
Earlier, Radha Mohan Singh had addressed the conclave of Chief Ministers of Himalayan states organized in Shimla and asked the Chief Ministers that for the promotion of organic farming. There is a plan to develop clusters of 50 acres for which funds are being provided in the ratio of 90:10. In order to promote value chain in organic farming in North East region, he had underlined.
The states which are under intensive study of the Centre for organic farming are Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura.
There is need to undertake comprehensive action in totality. Piece-meal attempts are highly unlikely to yield desired results. A comprehensive action plan to promote certified organic farming in the North East is needed. If the Government of India, or any State Government desires to have information regarding a comprehensive action plan I shall be pleased to E mail my suggestions/ Action Plan.