Union minister of state for agriculture and farmers’ welfare Mohanbhai Kundariya Thursday urged the farmers of Northeast states to adopt organic farming so as to maintain the soil health of the region.
The Union minister is on his three-day visit to Manipur to assess the implementation of agriculture related Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) in the state.
Addressing reporters on the sideline of inauguration of a newly constructed academic building of the Central Agricultural University (CAU) Imphal, the minister maintained that adoption of organic farming can improve farmers’ economic condition in the region. With a view to minimize the use of chemical fertilizer and pesticide, farmers need to be encouraged to adopt organic farming practices which would also help in protecting land, water resources and improve farmers’ economic condition, the minister said.
He observed a fast deteriorating soil health owing to prolong and excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides not only in the region but also across the country and said that soil of the Northeast region must not be harmed by using excess chemical fertilizer and pesticides.
Mohanbhai said that adoption of organic farming on a large scale would help improve soil health, boost agriculture production and provide significant employment opportunities to the farmers.
The region has huge potential of organic farming because of its immense bio-diversity and natural resources. Considering this “we at the ministerial level are also taking various steps to promote organic farming and its practices in the region”, he added.
Considering the growing demand for certified organic produce in the global markets, there is a pressing need to create awareness about export potential of organic products among the farmers, he further said. Giving due importance to organic farming, Narendra Modi has recently announced a special scheme for farmer’s welfare which will encourage farmers on practicing organic farming.
While the government is spending crores of rupees on its promotion, still majority of people are unaware about organic farming and its benefits, rued Kundariya.
Farmers of Manipur should not miss the opportunity by taking full advantage of huge amount sanctioned by the central government for the welfare and improvement of economic condition, he said.