Diversify farming to boost rural economy: Experts
Nearly 300 farmers attend awareness camp organised in Galma
The Agriculture Department organised a large-scale farmers’ awareness camp at Galma Gram Panchayat in Balh Development Block of Mandi district. Nearly 300 farmers attended the camp, which focused on the Farmer Registry, natural farming practices and welfare schemes being implemented by the Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry Departments.
Former minister Prakash Chaudhary, who attended the programme as the chief guest, urged farmers to adopt natural farming along with dairy farming. He described the combination as an effective model for achieving economic self-reliance. He said the state government’s decision to provide a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for naturally grown crops and milk was a significant initiative to increase farmers’ income.
He said integrating dairy farming with natural agriculture could provide farming families with a regular source of income. He added that the model could also help reduce unemployment and address economic challenges in rural areas. Diversified farming systems, he said, could strengthen the rural economy and provide long-term financial stability to farmers.
Joint Director, Central Zone (Agriculture), Dr Prachi, encouraged farmers to adopt natural farming. She suggested cultivating turmeric in low-productivity and problematic agricultural areas as a profitable alternative. She said the primary objective of natural farming was to make villages economically self-sufficient.
Speaking about the broader vision of natural farming, she said its philosophy was to ensure that wealth flowed from villages to cities rather than from cities to villages. She said this approach could strengthen the rural economy and reduce farmers’ dependence on external agricultural inputs.
During the programme, experts provided detailed information about the Farmer Registry, including its importance, registration process and benefits. They also explained the scientific, environmental and economic advantages of natural farming, including improved soil health, lower cultivation costs and sustainable agricultural practices.
Officials from the Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry Departments briefed farmers about various farmer-centric schemes, modern agricultural technologies and government support programmes. They also interacted with the participants, addressed their queries and provided technical guidance on improving farm productivity and adopting sustainable practices.
The event was organised under the aegis of the ATMA (Agricultural Technology Management Agency) Project, Mandi, by the Block Technology Manager (BTM) and Assistant Technology Manager (ATM) staff of Balh Development Block. The Galma Gram Panchayat Pradhan and other elected representatives of the Panchayat also extended significant support to the programme.
