Port Blair, Aug 4: A meeting was held under the Chairmanship of Shri B.S. Jaglan, IAS, Secretary (Agri), A&N Administration to discuss about various programmes to promote Natural Farming in these Islands in convergence with other Departments like Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services and Department of Forest in coordination with Research Institutes on 1st August, 2024.

The meeting was attended by Shri Abhishek Gulia, Director of Agriculture, Dr. Jai Sunder, ICAR-CIARI, Director, In charge, Dr. Pooja Bohra, ICAR-CIARI, Horticulture Scientist, Shri Ramesh Kumar, Joint Director (Agri) HQ. 

Natural Farming is a chemical-free alias traditional method of farming where the cost of growing and harvesting plants is zero. In this method, the farmers need not purchase fertilizers and pesticides in order to ensure the healthy growth of crops. It is considered as agroecology based diversified farming system which integrates crops, trees and livestock with functional biodiversity. The four essential components of Natural Farming are Beejamrit, Jivamrita, Mulching and Waahphasa.

With an aim to improve yield and increase farmers’ income, ensure healthy food for all and to ensure environment benefits, Department of Agriculture, A&N Administration is focusing on promotion of Natural Farming in these Islands. Concerted efforts are being made by the Department to create awareness on natural farming. 150 demonstrations on preparation of neemastra and 103 demonstrations on preparation of jeevamrit were conducted in the farmers’ field in all the zones. After being trained by staff of Agriculture Department, farmers have started preparing Neemastra for natural farming at their holdings.

It was decided in the meeting that to sensitize farmers on Natural Farming a State Level Workshop-cum-Seminar will also be organized in association with all the stakeholders.