Organic farming will make agriculture profitable: Deputy Commissioner
He was speaking at the inauguration of a training program and workshop for CRPs (Community Resource Persons) and BRPs (Block Resource Persons), held at the J.H. Patel Auditorium in Koppal Zilla Panchayat. The event was organized under the National Natural Farming Campaign by the Koppal District Administration, Zilla Panchayat, Agriculture Department, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (Gangavati), and Agricultural Technicians Institute (Koppal).
'The excessive use of chemical fertilizers is degrading soil fertility and increasing crop susceptibility to pests and diseases. Additionally, produce grown with high chemical input lacks demand in international markets. Chemical-based agriculture also harms human health and the environment,' he said, emphasising the need to reduce chemical usage in agriculture and promote organic practices.
He urged for comprehensive support in implementing integrated organic farming across the district, including in sectors like sericulture, horticulture, animal husbandry, and fisheries.
'Plans are underway to expand horticulture to 1.5 lakh hectares in the district, which is expected to boost farmer incomes. Initiatives such as establishing a Horticulture Tech Park and Rice Park will further accelerate agricultural development. Efforts will also be made to export local produce through dedicated branding initiatives,' he said.
ZP CEO Rahul Ratnam noted that Koppal has 4.6 lakh hectares of agricultural land, but only 4,000 hectares currently follow organic practices. He stated that organic farming doesn't require large investments or excessive labor.
'With patience, farmers can grow healthy crops naturally. Under the National Natural Farming Campaign, CRPs and BRPs must work to raise awareness and expand organic farming zones in the district,' he said.
Felicitation
Progressive farmer Devendrappa Balutagi from Madalagatti in Kushtagi Taluk, who received an honorary doctorate from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur for adopting natural farming methods, was felicitated on the occasion.
During the workshop, posters to raise awareness among the farming community about the Kharif Crop Insurance Scheme were also released.
Present at the event were Joint Director of Agriculture T.S. Rudreshappa, faculty from the University of Agricultural Sciences (Raichur), scientists, officials from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (Gangavati), Agricultural Technicians Institute (Koppal), assistant directors from all taluks, and CRP & BRP representatives.
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