He said this while presiding over the Workshop on Natural Farming Youth Entrepreneur under Prakritik Kheti Khushal Kisan Yojana organized by implementation agency of natural farming at Kangra, today.
The Governor said that natural farming was growing rapidly in the country and awareness was increasing among the people.
It is a matter of happiness that Himachal is the leading state in the country practising this farming and is inspiring others as well, said Shri Arlekar.
Governor said that about 1.68 lakh farmers were practising natural farming. He said that there was a need to increase this number. He called them as “karma yogis” and said that today he got the knowledge from young farm entrepreneurs about natural farming system.
He said that natural farming was being adopted on nearly 45000 acres of land in the State. He said that young farm entrepreneurs could play an important role in this direction and said that it was necessary for everyone to adopt this farming method for the safety of the future generation. He said that natural farming would go ahead only with the experience of the people.
On the occasion, the Governor also visited the exhibition stalls put up by the Atma Project being run by the Agriculture Department. Natural products and the components used in this method of natural farming were displayed in the exhibition. The Governor evinced keen interest in the exhibition.
Later, the Governor also visited Ghurkari panchayat and visited the farms of Anita Devi and Sulochana Devi who are practicing natural farming. The Governor appreciated their dedication and said that their efforts were the real motivation to others.
Earlier, Dr. Rajeshwar Chandel, Executive Director, Prakritik Kheti Khushal Kisan Yojana welcomed the Governor and said that 12000 hectares of land would be brought under natural farming in the State by March this year. He said that target has been set to bring nearly 20,000 hectare area under this practice. He apprised that 3590 panchayats have been brought under this farming system and work was being done to directly connect the youth with it. 62 educated youths have been directly linked with natural farming, he added. He said that the consistent efforts were being done to aware the farmers about natural farming besides providing training.
Dr. Chandel also gave a presentation on Natural Farming on the occasion.
An interactive session was also organized on the occasion in which progressive farmers shared their experiences and gave their valuable suggestions.
Shashipal Atri, District Project Director, Aatma proposed a vote of thanks.
Prof. H.K. Chaudhary, Vice Chancellor, Agriculture University, Palampur, Dr. Nipun Jindal, Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police Dr. Khushal Sharma, Scientists and Officers of Agriculture department and progressive farmers were also present on the occasion.
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