Madhya Pradesh to be made pioneer in organic farming

Bhopal. Farmers’ Welfare & Agriculture Development Minister Dr. Ramkrishna Kusmaria has said that the state offers immense possibilities of organic farming. The State Government has taken several important steps in order to highlight agriculture’s importance in all round growth of state’s economy. Organic farming in India is centuries-old. At present, 21 thousand farmers are doing organic farming. We will have to make wholehearted efforts to promote organic farming. Dr. Kusmaria was speaking at a workshop organised by ASSOCHAM here today.
Dr. Kusmaria said that soil’s fertility is decreasing day by day due to use of chemical fertiliser. Under such circumstances, we will have to adopt organic farming. Breeding of cows has come down under the changing scenario. Polluted atmosphere is also posing danger to human health. Therefore, we should adopt food material produced through organic farming in place of those produced with the use of chemical fertiliser and toxic pesticides. This will give a new lease of life to soil, water and climate and human beings as well as animals will remain healthy.
Co-Chairman of ASSOCHAM’s MP, Chhattisgarh and Orissa Taskforce Shri Anil Agrawal drew participants’ attention towards adverse impacts cast on soil and human health due to use of chemicals, hybrid and genetically certified seeds. He informed organic farming is gaining popularity all over the world in view of conservation of nature and diversity and protection of health. Shri Agrawal hoped that farmers of Madhya Pradesh will get benefit with the organisation of this workshop on organic farming by ASSOCHAM.
At the outset, chief guest Dr. Kusmaria lighted a lamp to inaugurate the workshop. Shri Anil Agrawal greeted Dr. Kusmaria with a bouquet.
Bio-Sert India, Indore Managing Director Shri Dilip Dhakad informed the workshop that Madhya Pradesh is pioneer in organic farming. Madhya Pradesh supplies 50 percent of about Rs. 600 crore export of organic products. At present, Indian exports organically produced food grains, pulses, cotton, sugar, spices and soyabean.
Member of International Competence Centre for Organic Agriculture Board Shri Mukesh Verma informed that five lakh farmers are registered in India for organic farming. The European Union has announced to import only organic farm products from the year 2020. It makes it clear that organic farming is growing at a rapid pace in the world. The workshop was conducted by Senior Director of ASSOCHAM Shri Om Tyagi.