India’s has for long been seen as an agricultural nation, as a big part of our economy is driven by farm produce and exports. Today, it is important to ensure the sector is driven by “nature’s laboratory, and not from chemistry labs”, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“We have to take agriculture out of chemistry labs and link it with nature’s laboratory. When I talk about a natural laboratory, it’s completely science-based… From seeds to soil, all solutions can be brought in naturally… Today, I would urge every state government in India to come forward and make natural farming a mass movement. As we celebrate ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’, at least one village of every panchayat must be associated with natural farming,” PM Modi said at the National Summit on Agro and Food Processing.
The Prime Minister said that food processing, natural farming and all related issues will help in transforming the agriculture sector.
“Natural farming will benefit the country’s 80% small-scale farmers the most. These farmers have less than 2 hectares of land and spend a lot on chemical fertilisers… But, using natural fertilizers will benefit them. About 8 crore farmers have joined us today. The conclave’s impact will not just be in Gujarat, but countrywide, benefitting all farmers,” he said.
Speaking at the event ahead of PM Modi’s address, Union Home Minister Amit Shah too underlined that “organic production is the need of the hour”.
“Since 2019, PM Modi has been appealing to farmers for organic farming…such as manure out of cow dung improves land fertility… Organic production is the need of the hour. We are trying to establish a laboratory in the country that will audit land and certify organic products so that farmers get more prices. Amul and others are working on it. This will encourage organic farming,” Shah said at the Summit from Anand in Gujarat.
Earlier, Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said that India has attained global recognition under PM Modi’s leadership.
“After Gandhi and Patel, India has gained global recognition under PM Modi’s leadership. There was a time when India was overlooked, but today no country’s agenda is fulfilled without India’s consensus,” Tomar said.
