Following a government directive, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has decided to include 'natural farming' in the syllabus at both undergraduate and post-graduate levels in less than a week after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal to farmers to shift away from chemical-based farming.
"ICAR's Education Division shall develop syllabus in consultation with Agricultural Universities and Natural Farming Experts for inclusion in UG/PG courses," ICAR's Assistant Director General, SP Kimothi, said in a letter to all ICAR institute directors and Vice Chancellors of agriculture universities.
The issue (of natural farming) was also "emphasized by Hon'ble Prime Minister while addressing the nation during valedictory ceremony of the Vivrant Gujarat Summit on December 16," according to the letter dated December 22.
Zero budget farming
Kimothi stated in response to a communication received from the Cabinet Secretariat informing the cabinet decision to promote natural farming.
"It has also been highlighted to develop the syllabus on zero budget natural farming and incorporate it in the text books at the UG/PG level."
The matter was further examined in the Council (ICAR), and it was agreed to incorporate it in the curriculum, besides research to be done on the topic.
“Research, demonstration and training on natural farming shall be carried out mandatorily by the concerned ICAR institutes and KVKs of the country shall earmark a dedicated portion of the available land for Natural Farming and demonstrate the technology among the farmers and other stakeholders,” the letter said.
“For the emerging possibilities of futures, we have to work today. At this landmark moment, India is well-positioned to present the world with a solution to the concerns of food security in a better balance with nature," Modi said in a virtual address at the National Conclave on Natural Farming on December 16.
