The South India Natural Farming Summit has urged the government to support farmers who use natural farming methods. Organisers want the National Mission on Natural Farming to include help for farmers using natural inputs like jeevamruth, ghanjeevamruth, cow dung, and plant extracts. They believe these methods are key to healthy farming.
Experts at the summit, including A.P. Karuppiah and K. Ramasamy, sent a request to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They asked for training programmes to be run through Krishi Vigyan Kendras, agricultural universities, and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs). These programmes would teach farmers about soil health, mulching, seed treatment, and natural nutrient cycles. Continuous learning is important for farmers to succeed in natural farming.
The summit also recommended setting up model natural farming centres in every district. These centres would show how natural farming improves soil structure. They would also demonstrate how it reduces the need for chemicals and can lead to stable or better crop yields. This was part of a resolution agreed upon by farmers and experts.
Fair prices for farmers are also a priority. The organisers asked for support for organic certification, systems to track produce, and special marketing channels for natural products. This will help farmers get the value they deserve for their hard work and dedication to natural methods.
Financial help is also needed. Incentives for making natural inputs, better composting facilities, and community centres for farming resources would help lower production costs for farmers. These measures can make natural farming more affordable and accessible.
The summit highlighted the many benefits of natural farming. It can improve soil organic carbon, protect biodiversity, and reduce health risks from chemical residues. It can also grow the market for organic products and ensure India has safe food for the future. This is possible through chemical-free and sustainable farming practices.
Another key point was the integration of livestock. Using animal manure and urine from cows, goats, and poultry is vital for renewing soil health. This natural integration is a core part of regenerative agriculture and soil rejuvenation.
Several other important resolutions were passed. These include a village-based programme for growing vegetables suited to local weather. Promoting perennial redgram and lablab for multiple harvests was also discussed. The goal is to supply farmers with naturally grown seeds and seedlings through FPO-led seed banks. Demonstration fields across districts will showcase the productivity of natural farming. Market links through local cooperatives are also planned.
The summit also focused on environmental benefits. Promoting Miyawaki forests on private land can improve soil and ecological health. These forests act as carbon sinks, helping India meet its climate goals. Community efforts to recharge groundwater were also discussed to ensure long-term irrigation security for natural farming.
A special focus was given to women. A national scheme for women in organic gardening and backyard poultry, with training, was proposed. A national network for organic seed and seedling production through FPOs and Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) was also suggested, with subsidies available.
Empowering FPOs and FPCs for natural farming extension and implementation is crucial. This includes using e-commerce platforms for direct marketing, ensuring farmers get premium prices. The establishment of a Nammalvar National University for Natural Farming was proposed to speed up the shift to chemical-free agriculture. Agricultural students should also have mandatory visits to natural and organic farms.
Other resolutions included creating exclusive organic input stores in all rural areas and a special insurance scheme for native breed cows to support natural farming. A National Natural Farming Board/Council was proposed for coordinated development. Celebrating National Natural Farming Day, likely on April 6th, Nammalvar’s birthday, was also recommended. Schemes for biofertilizer and biopesticide production, agroforestry, community compost, vermicompost, and medicinal plants were also discussed. The summit also called for regulation of gene-edited and GM crops and an endowment in Nammalvar’s name.