22 States Endorse Natural Farming at National Kharif Conference, Emphasizing Balanced Fertilizer Use
At the National Kharif Conference held in New Delhi, agriculture ministers from 22 states endorsed natural farming practices, signaling a significant policy shift towards sustainable agriculture. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan highlighted the importance of protecting farms, which extends beyond land preservation to include environmental and generational sustainability. The conference aimed to strengthen the agricultural sector through coordinated action and effective implementation. Chouhan urged state governments to simplify administrative procedures to facilitate farmers' access to government schemes. The conference also addressed the use of chemical fertilizers, advocating for their balanced and scientific application rather than a complete ban. A common roadmap was charted, focusing on Kharif preparedness, self-reliance in pulses and oilseeds, and the promotion of natural farming.