Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has said that every farmer doing natural farming should be treated as a national treasure and should be rewarded. State governments promoting natural farming should be given due importance in the recommendations of the Finance Commission, Mr Jagan said during a virtual meeting on “natural farming” organized by NITI Aayog as part of Azadi Ki Amrit Mahotsav.
“The Government of Andhra Pradesh is setting up an Indo-German Global Academy on Agroecology Research and Learning (IGGAARL) with €20 million funded by Germany. The center will provide technical assistance to those practicing natural farming. I urge the central government to bear 90% of the cost of natural farming,” said Mr. Jagan.
Beginning his address with reference to Green Revolution, Shri Jagan said that agricultural productivity has increased manifold due to innovative practices. The time has come to reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides and encourage natural farming.
Food security will also be affected by excessive use of chemical fertilizers and hence natural farming should be encouraged to boost soil productivity.
“The Government of Andhra Pradesh has set its eyes on ‘Evergreen Revolution’ to ensure quality life and better livelihood opportunities for its citizens. Natural farming is being done in 2.9 lakh hectares by 6.30 lakh farmers, 10,778 Rythu Bharosa centres. Natural farming is being done in 5 percent of the total area in the state. We are committed to natural farming and we are committed to support farmers who opt for natural farming,” the chief minister said.
Shri Jagan said that the welfare of farmers is at the core of the policies of the State Government, he added that an RBK has been set up to cover 2,000 farmers and services are being provided to the farmers at their doorsteps.
The e-crop method was being used for synchronizing the data of various farmer welfare schemes and providing technical assistance to the farmers. Each RBK had a rural agricultural assistant who had a degree or diploma in agriculture or horticulture. A banking correspondent was also appointed in RBK. Agriculture Advisory Board was constituted at district level and 80,359 farmers are part of this advisory board.
In addition, the state government is working with international organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization, the University of Edinburgh and other organizations to strengthen the RBK.
Chief Secretary Sameer Sharma, Secretary to Chief Minister K. Jawahar Reddy and Special Commissioner, Agriculture, Ch. Hari Kiran was present.