4 lakh Hectares under Natural Farming now: Narendra Tomar

On Monday, Indian Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar informed that currently about 4 lakh hectare has been brought under natural farming as part of a sub-scheme of the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana. Further, the supreme think-tank of Indian Government Niti Aayog will prepare a roadmap to scale this up. While addressing a national workshop on innovative agriculture, the Agriculture Minister told that currency the need of the hour is to do farming that works in harmony with nature, reduces the cost of production, and ensures good-quality produce and profits to farmers. Mr. Tomar further informed that Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, parts of Haryana, and Gujarat are gradually adapting to natural farming.

Indian Agriculture Minister also said that Niti Aayog will prepare a roadmap on natural farming after deliberation with farmers, scientists, and agri-varsities' vice-chancellors. He commented, “some may have apprehension that production might decline by shifting to natural farming. Such people after seeing the success stories of natural farming will be able to adapt easily." As per India’s Agriculture Minister, currently, about 38 lakh hectares have been brought under organic farming. About 4 lakh hectares of area is under natural farming so far as part of a sub-scheme of the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana.