About 13,500 farmers in the Chamba district have been trained in the innovative technique of Subhash Palekar Natural Farming as part of the Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA) program, which was initiated by the state government.
According to Deputy Commissioner DC Rana, about Rs 1.32 crore has been invested this year to ensure the success of the Natural Farming project.
On 1,400 hectares, various crops were being mixed cultivated at the time. Farmers are now using components derived from cow dung and cow urine (gomutra) instead of chemical fertilizers and insecticides, according to Rana.
Those who practiced natural farming were given Rs 25,000 to purchase a cow. He added that he was also granted Rs 5,000 for the transportation of the cow and Rs 2,000 for the 'mandi' cost.
A sum of Rs 8,000 was set aside for the construction of 'gaushalas' to collect 'gomutra.'
8,000 was set aside for the construction of 'gaushalas' to collect 'gomutra.'
According to ATMA Project Deputy Director Om Prakash Ahir, soil fertility has increased due to an increase in the number of earthworms and microorganisms in the soil, both of which are favorable to crops.
The cost of production was cut in half, and the yield nearly doubled, thanks to this technology.
About Natural Farming:
Natural farming, often known as traditional farming, is a chemical-free way of farming. It is a diversified farming system based on agroecology that mixes crops, trees, and livestock with functional biodiversity.
Natural farming does not use chemical or organic fertilizers on the soil. No additional nutrients are put into the soil or given to the plants.
Plowing, tilting, mixing manure, weeding, and other basic agro activities are still required in organic farming.
