Uttar Pradesh, state of the country, where the majority of the population is dependent on farming for livelihood. The agriculture sector provides maximum employment. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is committed to the development of the agricultural sector and the profitability and prosperity of farmers. Because of this, many schemes related to the interests of farmers are being operated in the state. So as to make farmer self-reliant, cattle-based Zero Budget Natural Farming is promoted in the state that can give higher production and also increase farmers’ income at a lower expenditure.
Zero Budget Natural Farming is the most economic means of doubling farmers’ income. The state is planning to develop destitute cowherd shelters into cow-based natural agriculture and other cow products training centers in the state. Bundelkhand will be developed as the main center of Zero Budget Natural Farming so that the economic development of the entire region will be possible through agriculture. To encourage natural farming, the state is also planning to include it in the curriculum of agricultural universities.
Govansh-based/Cattle-based Agriculture
The main base of natural farming is the cow. Jeevamrit and Ghanjivamrit are made by mixing cow dung, cow urine, and some other agricultural products. They have sufficient capacity to nourish the crop and make the land fertile. Chief Minister Yogi’s cow love is world evident. Geotagging of more than 5 lakh cows have been done and, more than 4.76 lakh destitute cows are being looked after. For the caretaking of destitute cows, it has been decided to provide assistance of Rs. 900 per cow per month to the cowherds.
To prevent the crimes related to cow slaughter, Prevention of Cow Slaughter Amendment Ordinance- 2020 is already in force in Uttar Pradesh. As per this ordinance, rigorous imprisonment of up to 10 years and fine up to 5 lakhs is decided for the culprits. The rearing of indigenous cows and the use of cow dung can be used in a better way and up to 90% of water can be saved. In such a situation, natural farming in Bundelkhand in drought conditions is no less than a boon.
Relief from Slow Poisoning
More use of chemicals in farms requires more water and, continuous use of chemical fertilizers adversely affects the yield potential of the fertile land and makes it unfertile with the time. And that slow poison is also reaching our body from the crops produced using chemical fertilizers. Due to this, people are vulnerable to various diseases. If we want to get oriented towards a healthy life, natural farming must be encouraged.
In the first budget of Modi Government 2.0, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had announced several steps to improve the economic condition of farmers, with Zero Budget Natural Farming being the main point. Emphasis is being given to returning to the traditional and basic methods of agriculture through zero budget farming. Farmers will do natural farming instead of using chemical fertilizers and pesticides, manure made of cow dung, cow urine, gram flour, jaggery, and the soil is used in whatever crop they are cultivating.
High Yield through Zero Budget Natural Farming
Zero Budget Natural Farming also aims to get farmers out of the debt trap. They will be freed from the clutches of purchasing expensive seeds, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides. Farmers cultivate using natural resources and their self-sufficiency in this. In Zero Budget Natural Farming, all the work of irrigation, ploughing, and tillage is done with the help of cow and cattle, and because of this, there is no need of any type of diesel or fuel vehicles. Farmers get higher profits on crops and better yields.
The icing on the cake is that, whatever crop is grown by this method, it is beneficial for health because of no chemical substances used to grow it. And there is no case of decreased yield in this farming. Due to all the about written advantages, Yogi Government is encouraging natural farming.
Natural Farming in 1038 Gram Panchayats of Gangaghat
Farmers were particularly made aware of natural farming during the Ganga Yatra organized in 1038 gram panchayats of Gangaghat in 27 districts, 21 municipalities, and 1648 revenue villages. Under Namami Gange project on both sides of the Ganges, natural farming is being encouraged widely. In the first phase, master trainers are being prepared in 1038 gram panchayats, who will go to the villages and give training to farmers on cow-based farming. Ganga Plain, Ganga Udyan, Ganga Forest, and Ganga Talab are being developed along the Ganges, which will be very helpful for natural farming.
And at the same time, there is a plan to distribute flowers and fruit saplings to the farmers free of cost through the Ganga Nursery. The coastal villages are being encouraged to pant natural trees on the ridges of their fields. Training programs for cattle based Zero Budget Natural Farming are also being organized from time to time. Through agricultural science centers and agricultural universities, not only training of natural farming is being given, but more and more farmers are also encouraged towards it. The main objective is to increase the acreage of natural farming. Comprehensive efforts are being made to ensure fair prices of natural agricultural products.
In 6 districts of the state, Lucknow, Meerut, Gorakhpur, Agra, and Jhansi, Lab facility for certification of natural products will also be made available. Certification of natural farming harvests will be done by the Mandi Council at the group/Mandal level.
Salient Features-
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Certification of crops will be done at the board level.
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Lab facility for certification of crops in 6 districts.
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Training programs by Krishi Vigyan Kendras and Agricultural Universities. Emphasis on increasing the area of natural farming.
Source- LiveHindustan
