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Kumaraswamy Urges Farmers: Switch to Organic Amid Soil Fertility Crisis

Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has made a strong case for organic farming during a major agricultural expo in Bengaluru. He emphasized that excessive pesticide use is damaging soil fertility across farming communities. The government is actively working through ICAR-NBAIR to promote biological farming methods and reduce chemical dependency. Multiple ministers highlighted how healthier crops lead to better public health outcomes for all Indians.

Key Points: Kumaraswamy Promotes Organic Farming to Boost Soil Health

  • Minister warns pesticide overuse severely damages long-term soil fertility
  • Government promoting pulse cultivation to reduce import dependency
  • ICAR-NBAIR working to strengthen farmers through biological methods
  • Organic farming knowledge from previous generations being revived
  • Several central schemes supporting agricultural sector transformation
  • Biological methods can prevent many human diseases through healthier crops
2 min read

Centre urges farmers to prioritise organic farming

Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy urges farmers to adopt organic farming, highlighting pesticide impact on soil fertility and government support initiatives.

"We can only consume quality produce when farmers grow healthy, medicine-free crops. - Shobha Karandlaje"

Bengaluru, Oct 19

Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries H.D. Kumaraswamy on Sunday urged farmers to prioritise organic farming as the use of pesticides lowers soil fertility.

Addressing the inaugural event of the 3rd Agricultural Insect Biocontrol Expo and the 33rd Foundation Day celebration of the ICAR-National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources (NBAIR) here, the minister further stated that ICAR-NBAIR is working in this direction to strengthen the farmers.

He further said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has become one of the world's top five economic powers and is set to become the third-largest economic power.

The minister also said that more farmers should come forward to cultivate pulses along with crops like paddy. This will reduce the import of pulses. The Central Government has implemented several schemes for the welfare of farmers and is supporting every area of the agricultural sector, he added.

Speaking on the occasion, Shobha Karandlaje, Union Minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Labour and Employment, said, "The previous generations of our farmers had more knowledge about farmer-friendly insects. Work is being done to disseminate this knowledge to today's farmers as well.” Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, greater emphasis is being given to organic farming. Farmers, researchers, and scientists are being sensitised about organic farming. Furthermore, farmers who adopt organic farming are being encouraged, the minister added.

“We can only consume quality produce when farmers grow healthy, medicine-free crops. Measures will be taken to expand the operations of ICAR-NBAIR,” she added.

Dr C.N. Manjunath, Member of Parliament for Bengaluru Rural Lok Sabha Constituency, stated that human health depends on the quality of our crops and the fertility of the soil. “We need to use biological methods more often. Many diseases can be prevented by adopting organic methods. It is necessary to reduce the use of pesticides and chemical fertilisers,” he said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good initiative but where is the support for small farmers? Organic farming requires more labor and initial investment. Government should provide better subsidies and training.
S
Sarah B
As someone who buys organic produce regularly, I can say the quality difference is noticeable. Healthier food means healthier families. Hope more farmers adopt this method.
A
Arjun K
The focus on pulses cultivation is much needed. We import too many pulses when our farmers can grow them. This will help both farmers and reduce our import bill. 🇮🇳
M
Michael C
While I appreciate the sentiment, the transition needs to be gradual. Farmers can't suddenly stop using pesticides without proper alternatives in place. The government should phase this properly.
K
Kavya N
Our traditional farming methods were always organic! Good to see we're returning to our roots. The knowledge of our elders about beneficial insects was amazing. 🌱

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