Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Ramnath Thakur has called upon farmers to minimise the excessive use of chemical fertilisers and embrace organic and natural farming practices. He cautioned that the indiscriminate application of chemicals is adversely affecting both soil health and human health. Thakur made these remarks while addressing a farmers' seminar held on Wednesday in Bagad Rajput village, located in the Alwar district.
The event was organised under the Swasth Mitti, Sashakt Kisan aur Samridh Bharat Abhiyan and the Khet Bachao Abhiyan. The minister emphasised that a balanced use of fertilisers, coupled with a greater reliance on organic alternatives, can enhance crop yields while simultaneously reducing the dependency on pesticides. He cited the examples of Punjab and Haryana, where excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides has been linked to rising health concerns, including cancer.
Vision of Viksit Bharat 2047
Thakur underscored that healthy soil and healthy citizens are fundamental to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He noted that the nationwide Khet Bachao Abhiyan, which was launched on June 1, will continue until June 30, with a primary focus on promoting sustainable agricultural practices. The minister urged farmers to get their soil tested, obtain Soil Health Cards, and use fertilisers only as per the recommended guidelines.
Campaign in Alwar District
Joint Director of Agriculture P.C. Meena revealed that 100 gram panchayats in Alwar district have been identified in the first phase of the campaign due to their excessive use of chemical fertilisers. Awareness drives will be conducted in these areas initially, and the campaign will later be expanded across the entire district.
Officials highlighted that 34 natural farming clusters have already been established in Alwar under the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana. Experts from Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Naugaanwa, and Shri Karan Narendra Agriculture University, Jobner, also called on farmers to adopt organic and natural farming methods.
The minister's message is clear: a shift towards sustainable agriculture is not just beneficial but necessary for the well-being of the soil, the people, and the nation's future.
