Need to promote organic farming: Radha Mohan Singh
Updated: Dec 18, 2014 02:42:53pm
New Delhi, Dec 19 (KNN) The potential of organic farming in India is very huge because of its immense bio-diversity and natural resources in the country. There is a great need to promote the organic farming and its practices in the country.
This was stated by Union Agriculture Minister, Radha Mohan Singh while chairing the In-Session meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee Meeting of the Ministry of Agriculture here yesterday.
Currently the total organic production in the country is 1.24 million tons while total area under organic farming constitutes 0.723 million hectare under certification. It is being practiced mainly in 12 states while two states of North East namely Sikkim and Mizoram are likely to become fully organic in a few years, according to official data.
Several parliamentarians participated in the discussions. MP Rodmal Nagar highlighted the need for developing collection centre cum lab for cow dung and urine, for creating organic manure/gas which will be a source of income for farmers.
In response, the Agriculture Minister said there is a provision for assistance to farmers under the National Gokul Mission. However, the States have to take initiative in this regard, he said, adding that so, far, one proposal from Madhya Pradesh has been received. He also mentioned that efforts will be made to increase the budget provision during the next financial year.
He also clarified that while organic farming comes under the purview of Agriculture Ministry, export of organic farming products is dealt with by the Ministry of Commerce.
MP Sumedhanand Saraswati suggested that the government make continuous effort towards creating awareness about organic farming at the block level through various initiatives like exhibitions and presentation in villages. He also indicated that there is a need to create awareness among farmers about labs and marketing of organic farming products.
Replying to this, Singh asked Ministry officials to circulate full details of six Regional Centres of Organic Farming to all Members of Parliament so that they may utilise the services of these centres for training purpose to farmers particularly for villages selected under Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana.
The Minister assured the members of the committee that all necessary efforts will be made to address their suggestions, which, inter-alia, included simplification of certification process of organic farming, encouraging research on organic farming in Krishi Vigyan Kendras, Agriculture Universities, ICAR and proper utilization of crop residue. (KNN Bureau)
This was stated by Union Agriculture Minister, Radha Mohan Singh while chairing the In-Session meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee Meeting of the Ministry of Agriculture here yesterday.
Currently the total organic production in the country is 1.24 million tons while total area under organic farming constitutes 0.723 million hectare under certification. It is being practiced mainly in 12 states while two states of North East namely Sikkim and Mizoram are likely to become fully organic in a few years, according to official data.
Several parliamentarians participated in the discussions. MP Rodmal Nagar highlighted the need for developing collection centre cum lab for cow dung and urine, for creating organic manure/gas which will be a source of income for farmers.
In response, the Agriculture Minister said there is a provision for assistance to farmers under the National Gokul Mission. However, the States have to take initiative in this regard, he said, adding that so, far, one proposal from Madhya Pradesh has been received. He also mentioned that efforts will be made to increase the budget provision during the next financial year.
He also clarified that while organic farming comes under the purview of Agriculture Ministry, export of organic farming products is dealt with by the Ministry of Commerce.
MP Sumedhanand Saraswati suggested that the government make continuous effort towards creating awareness about organic farming at the block level through various initiatives like exhibitions and presentation in villages. He also indicated that there is a need to create awareness among farmers about labs and marketing of organic farming products.
Replying to this, Singh asked Ministry officials to circulate full details of six Regional Centres of Organic Farming to all Members of Parliament so that they may utilise the services of these centres for training purpose to farmers particularly for villages selected under Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana.
The Minister assured the members of the committee that all necessary efforts will be made to address their suggestions, which, inter-alia, included simplification of certification process of organic farming, encouraging research on organic farming in Krishi Vigyan Kendras, Agriculture Universities, ICAR and proper utilization of crop residue. (KNN Bureau)
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