From chemicals to nature: Sirmaur’s farmers take big step towards sustainable agriculture

The second five-day training programme on natural farming, organised at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Sirmaur, Dhaula Kuan, concluded on Sunday, marking a significant step towards promoting chemical-free cultivation in the district. The camp, which began on August 20, trained 42 men and women Community Resource Persons (CRPs), who will now act as grassroots motivators to guide farmers in adopting sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural practices.

Addressing the valedictory session, Dr Pankaj Mittal, Principal Scientist and in-charge of KVK-Sirmaur, said while agricultural chemicals in the past helped increase crop production, their harmful effects have now endangered human health, livestock and the environment. He underlined that natural farming offers a safer and more sustainable alternative. Stressing the importance of women’s participation, Dr Mittal described CRPs as the backbone of this mission, entrusted with spreading knowledge and encouraging farmers to shift towards healthier farming methods.

He highlighted that the Community Resource Person initiative is a crucial component of the Natural Farming Mission, enabling trained CRPs to function as community-level advisers, motivators and guides for other farmers. “The ultimate objective is to take this knowledge to the grassroots and build a healthier farming ecosystem,” he added.

Dr Sahab Singh, Project Director, ATMA, Sirmaur, emphasised that CRPs will play a decisive role in the success of the mission. He noted that such training enhances their skills, strengthens their commitment and inspires them to connect more farmers to the movement, ultimately benefiting human society through healthier food and sustainable agriculture.

The programme provided participants not just with theoretical knowledge but also practical exposure. They visited KVK’s demonstration farm and livestock unit, progressive farmer Ranjit Singh’s farm at Kanshipur, and the Agriculture Department’s natural farming model farm at Bhngani. These visits offered first-hand experience of natural methods being applied successfully in the field.

On the concluding day, participants were given advanced agricultural tools, planting material of perennial fodder crop Napier and publications related to natural farming. Organisers said the camp has not only educated farmers but also created a strong community network that will strengthen the natural farming movement across Sirmaur.