By Himansha Sharma, Bhopal : Director Farmers Welfare and Agriculture Development Shri Mohan Lal Meena inaugurated state-level seminar on organic farming, agriculture exhibition and organic haat on the premises of Ravindra Bhavan here today. Shri Meena urged farmers to do more organic farming. Organic haat is a powerful medium for selling their organic products. The government wishes that farmers get suitable prices for their produce and agriculture cost is less since it is only then that agriculture can become profitable.
The Director Agriculture said that soil fertility has diminished with overuse of chemical fertilizers over the years. Therefore, organic farming is the need of the hour. Organic farming does not mean only use of cowdung or vermi compost, but also striking balance between plants, soil and climate. These days, 40 percent of organic farming in the country is being done in Madhya Pradesh. Soil, water and bio-diversity are not only unique gifts of nature, but also complimentary to each other.
Shri Meena informed that skyrocketing prices of chemical fertilizers are beyond purchasing power of small and marginal farmers. Organic farming has become imperative due to climate change, environmental pollution, pressure of population boom and in view of urban consumers’ inclination towards chemical-free food products. Shri Prabhakar Kelkar threw light on usefulness of organic farming.
Director CEPET Dr. D.N. Sharma, Managing Director State Seeds and Farm Development Corporation Shri R.K. Gupta also spoke on the occasion. Welcome address was delivered by Shri Sunil Gangrade. K.J. Education’s Project Head Smt. Sadhana Gangrade conducted the proceedings. Farmers from various districts of the state were present at the haat.