Source: TH
Context:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the South India Natural Farming Summit 2025 in Coimbatore, an event organised by farmers’ associations to promote the ideals of noted organic farming scientist G. Nammalvar. He outlined India’s vision to emerge as a global centre for natural farming, backed by science, traditional wisdom, and strong government support.
Key Highlights:
India’s Vision for Natural Farming
- PM Modi said India is poised to become the world’s hub of natural farming.
- Natural farming is described as the “need of 21st-century agriculture”, essential for:
- Restoring soil health,
- Reducing dependence on chemical fertilisers and pesticides,
- Ensuring sustainable, climate-resilient agriculture.
- Stressed the goal of making natural farming a fully science-backed movement.
Role of Science, Tradition & Youth
- Modi highlighted the synergy of traditional knowledge + scientific strength + government policy.
- Appreciated the growing interest of educated youth in agriculture and adoption of modern techniques.
- Urged research institutions to integrate natural farming into academic curriculum and use farmer fields as living laboratories.
Progress Under National Mission on Natural Farming (NMSF)
- The Mission launched last year has already impacted lakhs of farmers.
- In Tamil Nadu alone, 35,000 hectares are under organic and natural farming.
- Modi urged farmers to start by converting at least one acre to natural farming each season and gradually expand coverage.
Strengthening FPOs & Promoting Minor Millets
- PM appealed to the Tamil Nadu government to use Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) to promote natural farming.
- Emphasised the importance of minor millets, aligning with India’s nutritional and climate-smart agriculture goals.
Support Through Government Schemes
- Modi highlighted several policy achievements supporting farmers:
- Agricultural exports have doubled in the past 11 years.
- Over â‚ą10 lakh crore assistance given through Kisan Credit Card (KCC) for crops, livestock, and fisheries.
- GST reduction on bio-fertilisers has lowered production costs.
- Released the 21st installment of PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, transferring â‚ą18,000 crore directly to farmers.
- Total transfers under PM-Kisan now exceed â‚ą4 lakh crore.
Advocacy for Multi-Crop Agriculture
- Modi cautioned against monoculture and encouraged multi-cropping systems.
- Cited examples from Kerala and Karnataka hill regions, where diverse cropping improves productivity and resilience.
