Experts dwell upon organic farming

Tribune News Service

Patiala, May 15 

Experts from various fields — related with agriculture and farmers — have advocated adopting the organic farming through scientific methods to “save the future of Punjab”. 

The experts were here today to attend ‘Innovative Farmers’ Meet’ organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). The meet was a part of a campaign to promote modern farming practices. Sessions on ‘Sustainable agriculture through organic farming’ and ‘Innovations to enhance farm productivity and sustenance’ were organised and a meet-cum-exhibition of farm products was held on the occasion. Over 1,000 farmers attended the meet.

The campaign was organised in association with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, from May 4 to June 16 in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. 

Addressing the gathering, Jasbir Singh Bains, Director Agriculture, Government of Punjab, said, “The government is trying to introduce the assured MSP for crops such as corn to encourage farmers to adopt diversification. Farmers must be aware of their responsibility for saving the future of the state by arresting the depleting underground water table. Out of the 146 blocks in the state, 105 are witnessing extremely low water table. Farmers can help improve the situation by saving water through drip or sprinkler irrigation.”

“With the rising cost of production, farmers must start devoting the area for crops under diversification. They must also go for value addition to their crops through packaging and direct marketing of good agri-products,” he added.

Dr CS Aulakh, Senior Agronomist, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, said: “The meet organised by the CII is a commendable effort to bring all stakeholders together. Special focus on the organic farming can help farmers in the long run.  Markets need to be developed to sell organic produce.”

Puneet Thind, Director, Vegetable Growers’ Association of India, said: “Farmers with small land holdings should come together for collective cultivation of land. They can also market their produce directly.”

“We have adopted collective farming and opened stores in various cities such as Zirakpur, Ambala, Patiala, Sirhind, Muktsar, Ludhiana, where farmers can directly sell their produce,” he said.