Latest news with #NationalMissiononNaturalFarming
Hans India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Farmer Associations' Report Highlights Climate-Resilient Tech that has Empowered Lakhs of Farmers
Calls for farmer-first, tech-driven solutions to tackle gaps in adoption despite government push Showcases NICRA's impact to empower farmers through 23,000 capacity-building programmes Urges targeted subsidies for renewable energy, organic inputs, and micro-irrigation to make climate-smart practices more accessible to small and marginal farmers On the occasion of World Environment Day, the Federation of All India Farmer Associations (FAIFA), a non-profit uplifting the cause of millions of farmers and farm workers involved in commercial crop cultivation in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka, organised a national seminar on the theme 'Supplementing Farmer Income through Sustainable Farming Practices' at the Constitution Club of India in New Delhi. The seminar outlined a sustainable approach to leverage proven climate-resilient technologies to empower farmers. During the seminar, FAIFA also unveiled a white paper titled 'Nourishing the Future: A Report on Climate-Resilient Agriculture'. The report lauded the success of ICAR's flagship NICRA initiative, which has reached nearly 6.93 lakh farmers as of February 2025, through technology demonstrations and has trained 6.47 lakh stakeholders via 23,613 capacity-building programmes on climate resilient agriculture. As part of its interventions, 448 Climate Resilient Villages have been established, and 650 district-level agricultural contingency plans have been developed. The report's focus is in line with the latest developments initiated by the Government of India to boost agriculture. Some of the key efforts include the launch of the Digital Agriculture Mission, the continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and the National Mission on Natural Farming. Delegates in the seminar, including policymakers, agricultural scientists, and Members of Parliament, expressed concern over projections by the Indian Network for Climate Change Assessment (INCCA), which estimate a potential 6–25% reduction in wheat yields and a 3–15% decline in rice yields by 2050. The FAIFA report also highlights a study by the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) that warns of 10–30% fall in rain-fed crop yields across semi-arid regions. Erratic Climate Conditions – A Threat to Agriculture The report underscores that climate change, no longer a distant threat but a present and accelerating crisis for Indian agriculture, is beefing up its siege through erratic rainfall, unseasonal droughts, temperature spikes, and rising incidence of pests and diseases disrupting crop cycles. These weather events have severely impacted productivity, inflated input costs, and choked farmer incomes — compounding their distress. Small and marginal farmers, who form over 80% of India's agrarian community, are the worst affected due to limited adaptive capacity. But schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), which provides insurance cover for weather-beaten crop losses, and initiatives under the Per Drop More Crop component that scale micro-irrigation are alleviating farmer distress. Additionally, the Soil Health Card scheme and the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) have supported balanced nutrient management and organic farming. Though a robust policy foundation is in place, the report identifies several gaps in implementation. High initial costs, fragmented infrastructure, and low farmer awareness continue to block widespread adoption of climate-resilient technologies. FAIFA recommends an integrated remedy: scaling research and extension services, expanding digital agri-platforms, and incentivizing sustainable practices. Mr. Murali Babu, General Secretary, Federation of All India Farmer Associations (FAIFA), said, 'In states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh, tangible impacts of climate variability on farming are becoming increasingly evident. Soil degradation, rising input costs, and falling water tables are putting significant pressure on farm productivity and incomes, particularly for small and marginal farmers. However, initiatives like ICAR's NICRA programme are encouraging, which has introduced practical climate-resilient solutions, such as solar-powered irrigation, drought-tolerant seed varieties, and capacity-building at the grassroots. These are already making a difference in many regions. This report is a constructive call to deepen our commitment to sustainable agriculture. We must transition from a 'grow more' approach to a 'grow better' mindset—one that embraces innovation, environmental stewardship, and economic viability for the farming community.' Innovation on the Ground: Success Stories from the Field The report features examples of climate-smart agriculture practices that are already providing greener outcomes: · Precision farming using IoT, sensors, and mobile-based advisories helps farmers monitor soil moisture, optimise inputs, and pre-empt crop stress. · Regenerative agriculture, including crop rotation, green manuring, and cover cropping, is enhancing long-term soil health. · Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) is reducing fertiliser dependency while maintaining yield levels. · NICRA's flood - and drought-tolerant crop varieties are emerging as adaptive lifelines for climate-vulnerable farmers. Such sustainable soil conservation practices also contribute to carbon sequestration, as they act as mitigation pathways aligned with India's broader climate goals. Ather Matheen, Vice-President, Federation of All India Farmer Associations (FAIFA), said, 'Sustainable agriculture must be viewed as a core economic strategy for Indian farmers and not just be seen as an environmental or regulatory concern. Climate-resilient models offer long-term financial benefits by lowering input costs, opening new markets, and reducing weather-related disruptions. Initiatives such as the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund can drive long-term income growth for farmers while advancing sustainability across the agricultural value chain. We also see transformative potential in platforms like e-NAM, which are beginning to streamline market access and improve price discovery through digital trade. As these tools evolve and scale, they will play a crucial role in integrating farmers more effectively into national and global value chains.' FAIFA's Reform Roadmap: Building Resilience Through Policy and Practice To address systemic challenges, the report puts forward suggestions for an effective roadmap: · Increase public investment in R&D for climate-resilient seed varieties and cropping systems · Widen farmer training programmes through participatory models and grassroots extension services · Promote ICT-based tools for precision agriculture and timely farmer advisories · Strengthen market access for sustainable produce by linking incentives with adoption · Provide targeted subsidies for renewable energy, micro-irrigation, and organic inputs · Mainstream conservation agriculture, agroforestry, and integrated farming systems into national and state programmes Climate-Resilient Agriculture is the Way Forward The report makes a fervent appeal to policymakers, research institutions, and private stakeholders to collaborate in scaling climate-smart agriculture. By infusing modern science into traditional knowledge, strengthening grassroots capacity, and aligning economic incentives, the sector can be bolstered to become resilient to climactic extremes and ensure a sustainable future for itself. As India works towards the twin imperatives of ensuring food security and combatting climate change, FAIFA's report offers a timely and actionable roadmap. FAIFA concludes that with strong institutional backing, increased investment, and a farmer-first implementation model, India can pave the way for an agri-economy that is both productive and climate-resilient.
Time of India
12-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Centre identifies 12 dists in Jharkhand to set up 88 natural farming clusters
Ranchi: The Union govt has selected 12 districts of Jharkhand to set up 88 natural farming clusters under the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF). The move aims to promote chemical-free, eco-friendly agricultural practices that enhance soil health and reduce dependency on synthetic districts are Ranchi, Palamu, Deoghar, Dumka, Giridih, Sahibganj, Hazaribag, Lohardaga, Gumla, Garhwa, East Singhbhum, and West Singhbhum. These have been selected based on criteria such as river basin proximity, tribal population, past organic initiatives, and regions with either high or low chemical fertiliser usage."Jharkhand has great potential for natural farming due to its agro-climatic diversity and traditional knowledge systems. Our focus is to transform farming into a sustainable and profitable venture for small and marginal farmers. Natural farming is not just a method, but a movement to protect our soil, food, and future," said Vikas Kumar, director of the Organic Farming Authority of Jharkhand (OFAJ).The state has earmarked 4,400 hectares to be brought under natural farming, with each cluster covering around 50 hectares and involving 125 willing farmers. A total of 11,000 farmers will be trained, supported by 176 krishi sakhis (community resource persons). Additionally, 60 bio-input resource centres will be established in the state to supply farmers with natural farming Kumar, the state representative of the NMNF, said, "We are following a farmer-to-farmer extension model, under which trained farmers and krishi sakhis will lead knowledge transfer. This ensures scalability and authenticity in practice."The initiative will also extend to districts categorised as low fertiliser input zones, such as Giridih, as part of a national strategy to encourage sustainable practices in regions already showing lower chemical cluster will receive support for awareness campaigns, capacity-building workshops, certification of produce, and market linkage through agriculture produce market committees (APMC) and local haats. The aim is to gradually transition these clusters into fully organic, self-sustaining farming ecosystems.
India Gazette
09-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Kurukshetra Leads the Way in Natural Farming: MP Naveen Jindal
Jindal Steel & Power Limited Kurukshetra (Haryana) [India], May 9: Kurukshetra is emerging as a national model for natural farming, said Member of Parliament Shri Naveen Jindal at the inauguration of the three-day Agro-Tech Exhibition and Startup Conclave at Kurukshetra University. Held under the National Mission on Natural Farming, the conclave aims to accelerate sustainable agricultural practices through innovation and awareness. Addressing a packed auditorium of farmers, startups, and agricultural experts, Shri Jindal emphasised that Kurukshetra's sacred legacy is now guiding the future of chemical-free farming. 'Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and with guidance from Acharya Devvrat and Padma Shri Dr. Hariom, the movement for natural farming is gaining nationwide momentum,' he said. Highlighting government initiatives to increase farmers' income, he urged farmers to take proactive steps towards adopting natural methods that enhance soil health, conserve water, and ensure safe, high-value produce. 'Natural products are not only healthier but also command premium prices in the market,' he noted. The event showcased agri-tech innovations by startups and progressive farmers organized by Naveen Jindal Foundation in coordination with IRMA-ISEED. Shri Jindal encouraged farmers to begin small and scale gradually, making natural farming a household norm. 'This conclave should mark a turning point for sustainable farming across India,' he said. Next Steps for Livestock and Youth Empowerment Shri Jindal announced upcoming programs for livestock owners and youth, stressing the need to document livestock lineage to improve productivity and resilience in animal husbandry. On National Security Referring to Operation Sindoor, he expressed pride in India's armed forces and leadership, stating, 'India will not remain silent against attacks on innocents. Our commitment to peace will never mean compromising on security.' Rs2,481 Crore Push for Natural Farming Padma Shri Dr. Hariom shared insights on the Rs2,481 crore scheme under the National Mission on Natural Farming. Citing scientific research, he warned of the declining nutritional value of staple crops and rising chemical contamination in Haryana's groundwater. He lauded Shri Jindal's proactive advocacy for natural farming in Parliament and at the grassroots level. The event was attended by Pundri MLA Satpal Jamba, BJP District President Tejinder Singh Goldy, Padma Shri Dr. Hariom, senior officials, and local leaders. The conclave sets the stage for a greener, healthier, and more self-reliant agricultural future -- rooted in tradition, powered by innovation. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by Jindal Steel & Power Limited. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
