Bhandara farmers adopt natural farming for sustainable yields
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Bhandara: Over 75 farmers from Bhandara taluka adopted natural farming techniques to boost sustainable crop production, following a field-level Kisan Goshti programme held at Pahela village on July 14.
Ajaykumar Raut, Deputy Project Director of Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Bhandara, informed attendees during the event. The initiative, organised by the Maharashtra agriculture department under ATMA, aimed to promote eco-friendly farming practices.
Raut, addressing the gathering at the taluka seed multiplication farm, emphasised that natural and integrated farming methods could ensure sustainable yields while minimising costs.
"Farmers must study integrated pest and disease management, use sticky traps, and monitor pest intensity to reduce chemical inputs. Keeping records of production costs and yields will help maintain a balanced budget," he said.
The programme began with a tribute to Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh, with attendees garlanding his portrait.
Dr. Prashant Umbarkar, an entomologist at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sakoli, guided farmers on rice nursery management, pest control measures, and the use of bio-pesticides.
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He stressed the importance of technical know-how in reducing chemical dependency. Vrushali Deshmukh, district soil survey officer, highlighted soil as the "soul of the land" and urged farmers to use compost and green manure to enhance soil health.
"Balanced fertiliser use based on soil health cards will improve soil properties," she said.
Progressive farmer Tanaji Gopal Gaydhane, a Krishi Bhushan awardee, shared his experience with organic farming.
He advised farmers to diversify into vegetables, orchards, and poultry, alongside minimising chemical fertilisers. "Using sticky traps and biological pest control methods ensures sustainable production," he said. Another Krishi Bhushan awardee, Prakash Gopichand Maske from Mau Dawa, explained the benefits of soil solarisation and lunar cycle-based pest management for crops like bitter gourd and brinjal.
Padmakar Chakole, Director of Aarogya Jyoti Farmer Producer Company, Parsodi, encouraged farmers to use natural inputs like humic acid, trichoderma, dashparni extract, and saptadhanya slurry to cut costs and achieve sustainable yields. Dadabhai Wahane, a progressive farmer with an agriculture degree, provided insights on integrated pest and nutrient management for crops like cucumber and okra.
The event, attended by 75 to 90 farmers, including women and representatives of farmer producer organisations, was chaired by Pahela sarpanch Mangalatai Thavkar.
Key attendees included panchayat samiti member Achaltatai Chavle, Krishi Bhushan farmer Devanand Chaudhary, and Congress Vice-President Subhash Bhau Ajabale. Taluka agriculture officer Namdev Kashid delivered the introductory remarks, while Satish Vairagade moderated the event.
Mandal agriculture officers Ashok Jibhkate, Arun Harode, and others ensured smooth coordination.
The programme underscored Bhandara's push towards sustainable agriculture, aligning with the state's Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Organic Farming Mission, which supports 8,991 farmers across 37,702 acres for organic certification.
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