Union Home and Cooperatives Minister Amit Shah made a strong case for the widespread adoption of organic farming across India, addressing a farmers' convention in Rewa on Thursday. He identified chemical fertilisers as a primary source of numerous modern diseases and urged a return to traditional agricultural practices.
Health Risks of Chemical Farming
In his speech, Shah posed a direct question to the audience, asking if it was right to feed people "grains laden with poison." He elaborated that these chemicals enter the human body and are a significant cause of widespread health issues. The minister specifically linked chemical fertilisers in crops to conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and thyroid disorders. He framed the shift to organic methods not just as an agricultural choice, but as a crucial public health intervention to free people from "eating poisoned food."
Income and Production Guarantees
Addressing a key concern of the farming community, Shah firmly stated that organic farming does not lead to a decrease in income or production. He shared a personal anecdote to bolster his argument. "My agricultural farm experimented with organic farming and found that production does not decrease. It increased," Shah claimed. He assured farmers that their income would, in fact, grow with this method, while also contributing to significant water conservation.
A Traditional Method Ready for Scale
Amit Shah emphasized that organic farming is not a novel or small-scale experiment. He described it as a forgotten traditional method of India and provided a specific example of its efficiency. "From one cow, organic farming can be done on 21 acres of land without the use of any fertiliser or pesticides," he explained. Highlighting its existing traction, Shah noted that more than 40 lakh (4 million) farmers in the country have already adopted organic practices.
During the event, Shah felicitated two local farmers for their contributions to organic farming. The convention was attended by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla, Minister Prahlad Patel, and several other leaders.
Praise for Rewa's Development
In his address, the Union Minister also commended the development strides made by the Rewa region. He pointed out that Rewa is home to the world's largest solar plant and has well-developed four-lane road connectivity to cities like Prayagraj and Jabalpur. Shah also mentioned the enhanced air connectivity, noting that Chief Minister Yadav informed him the Rewa airport can now facilitate round-the-clock flights to Delhi.
