Governor emphasises the need to set up training centres for natural farming

Shimla: Governor Bandaru Dattatraya has emphasized the need to set up training centres to expand natural farming in the state and streamline marketing for natural products.

The Governor was interacting with the officials of Subhash Palekar Natural Farming Project on the implementation strategy, targets etc in the State.

“To encourage natural farming on a large scale, it is necessary to train the educated unemployed rural youths, and the trained youth will impart knowledge to the farmers”, said the Governor.

He said that trained youth could be encouraged by giving certificates and also some incentive money could also be proposed for them. He said that such villages and panchayats should be identified where every family as a whole were adopting natural agriculture.

The Governor expressed satisfaction that about 55 thousand farmers were practising natural farming in the state, and an area of 2579 hectares has been brought under it. He said that during the corona pandemic people have become more aware of their health and food habits. The market for natural products was going to be huge and he asked the agriculture and horticulture departments to work together in this direction, which would help in doubling the income of farmers.

On this occasion, Subhash Palekar Natural Farming Project Director Shri Rakesh Kanwar gave detailed information about the action plan of natural farming in the state. He said that 72 thousand farmers have been trained under this farming system and access to 2934 panchayats has been ensured.

Dr Rajeshwar Chandel, Executive Director of the project also gave a Power Point presentation on Natural Farming.