Five-day natural farming camp guides farmers towards smart, sustainable future

Natural farming is increasingly being recognised as the future of Indian agriculture and to promote this low-cost, eco-friendly approach, PAU Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Bahowal, in collaboration with the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department, Hoshiarpur, organised a five-day training programme under the National Natural Farming Mission.

Welcoming participants, Dr Maninder Singh Bounce, Associate Director (Training), highlighted KVK Bahowal’s various farmer-welfare programmes—from skill-based trainings to on-farm demonstrations. He explained that natural farming reduces dependency on chemical fertilisers and pesticides, cuts input costs, improves soil fertility and enhances the nutritional quality of produce. Dr Bounce stressed that natural farming benefits both the environment and farmers by ensuring long-term sustainability and better profitability.

Addressing the trainees, Sukhpalveer Singh, Agriculture Officer and Nodal Officer of the mission, outlined government initiatives to promote natural farming. He said model natural farming units are being set up in the district and regular trainings, exhibitions and awareness camps are being conducted to encourage farmers to adopt residue-free, chemical-free agriculture. He assured farmers of continuous guidance and field-level support from the Agriculture Department.

During the training, several experts from KVK Bahowal shared technical knowledge. Dr Prabhjot Kaur, Assistant Professor (Plant Protection), explained natural inputs such as jeevamrit, beejamrit, ghanjeevamrit—cow dung and cow urine-based formulations—and highlighted the benefits of mulching to control weeds and conserve moisture amid changing climate conditions. Dr Karamveer Singh Garcha, Assistant Professor (Vegetable Science), elaborated on the four pillars of natural farming—beejamrit, jeevamrit, mulching and waaphasa—and discussed their practical adoption in fruit and vegetable crops to improve yield quality. He also guided farmers on simple processing and value-addition techniques like dehydration, pickling and packaging to secure better market returns.

A hands-on demonstration on preparing natural farming solutions and their field application provided participants with practical exposure. To offer real-time experience, participants visited the Organic and Natural Farming School at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, where Director Dr Sohan Singh Walia and his team shared the latest research, discussed success stories and showcased crop demonstrations under natural farming systems. Farmers gained first-hand insights into sustainable crop management and pest-control techniques.

On the concluding day, trainees visited the farm of award-winning natural farmer Narinder Singh of village Ajjowal. He demonstrated his natural farming practices and shared tips on low-cost input preparation, crop rotation and direct marketing of natural produce. His experience encouraged farmers to adopt natural farming not only for family health but also as a profitable business model.

The five-day training helped farmers understand that natural farming is a viable alternative that reduces costs, improves soil life, protects the environment and ensures safe food for consumers. Through such programmes, KVK Bahowal aims to strengthen farmers’ skills and support their transition toward cleaner, healthier and sustainable agriculture. With growing awareness and government support, natural farming is set to play a key role in shaping a more resilient future for Punjab’s farming community.