MPUAT: Utilizing Resources Adequately for Sustainable Organic Farming - Dr. Karnataka

Udaipur : The Indian Agricultural Research Council, sponsored by Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur, is organizing a 21-day national training program titled "Natural Farming - Direction and Status for Resource Conservation and Environmental Balance" under the Advanced National Training Center for Organic Farming from February 6 to February 26, 2024.

Dr. Ajit Kumar Karnataka, the Honorable Vice-Chancellor of Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur, as the chief guest, highlighted the need to address global concerns regarding resource depletion, emphasizing the importance of sustainable organic farming practices. He stressed the impact of climate change on agriculture and the need for integrating natural farming components into modern agriculture for long-term sustainability.

Dr. Karnataka pointed out that changing climate conditions have adverse effects on soil quality, water levels, biodiversity, air quality, and the overall environmental balance, making traditional agricultural techniques less resilient. He advocated for reducing dependence on market-oriented inputs and incorporating local resources into collective resource management for the promotion of natural farming.

During the program, Dr. S. K. Sharma, Assistant Director (Human Resource Management) at the Indian Agricultural Research Council, New Delhi, discussed the objectives and necessity of the program. He emphasized the importance of reducing the use of fertilizers by 25%, water consumption by 20%, increasing energy efficiency in agricultural practices by 50%, and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions by 45%. Dr. Sharma highlighted the need to integrate components of natural farming into the mainstream agricultural curriculum and disseminate new technologies to farmers.

Dr. Arvind Verma, Director of Research, stated that natural farming has the potential to improve soil health and benefit farmers economically by promoting beneficial insects. He underscored the importance of resource conservation and environmental balance achieved through natural farming practices, especially in the context of climate change.

Dr. Verma also noted that India's food production has reached approximately 314 million tons, and horticultural production has reached around 341 million tons. He urged the need to recognize 2-5% of agricultural land for natural farming. However, he stressed the necessity of adequately trained human resources to impart correct practices and technical knowledge to farmers and connect them to markets for the successful implementation of natural farming.

The program witnessed the presence of university directors, administrators, department heads, and faculty members. Dr. Latika Sharma facilitated the proceedings, and Dr. Ravi Kant Sharma, Associate Director of Research, expressed gratitude.

Keywords: MPUAT, Natural Farming, Resource Conservation, Environmental Balance, Sustainable Agriculture, Climate Change, Organic Farming, Agricultural Training Program, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology.