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Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Income concerns, staff shortage hamper natural farming push: Parliamentary panel
Despite the government's efforts to scale up natural and climate-resilient farming, a parliamentary panel has flagged persistent income concerns among farmers, gaps in implementation, and staff shortages as key challenges that threaten long-term sustainability. The parliamentary Estimates Committee tabled its report in Lok Sabha on Wednesday. (Sansad TV) The parliamentary Estimates Committee, in a report tabled in Lok Sabha on Wednesday, observed that despite the government making significant strides in awareness programmes, 'financial security remains a significant barrier to the widespread adoption of Natural Farming (NF).' The committee noted that while financial aid of ₹31,500 to ₹46,500 per hectare over three years is a welcome move, it falls short in covering transition losses from chemical to organic farming. 'The ₹31,500 to ₹46,500 per hectare over three years, although a step in the right direction, might not be sufficient to fully alleviate the financial strain farmers experience during the first three to four years, a period in which yields tend to be lower and the economic burden heavier,' the report said. It called for 'a more robust and expanded' support system, and flagged the scarcity of bio-fertilisers as a key hurdle in replicating the Sikkim model of chemical-free cultivation. The committee praised government outreach to 11.37 lakh farmers and stakeholders through awareness drives but said the benefits of certification schemes like the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) and Participatory Guarantee System (PGSIndia) remain underutilised due to poor farmer awareness. It also flagged budgetary constraints that have hit the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-led NICRA project, which promotes climate-resilient farming practices. It noted a lack of programme implementation in several districts that are at significant risk from climate change. 'Due to budget constraints, NICRA's adaptation activities have only been implemented in only 151 of 310 high-risk districts, leaving a large number of vulnerable areas unaddressed,' the panel said. It added that poor adoption of new seed varieties, low awareness, weak distribution, lack of coordination with states and missing large-scale assessments are hampering results. 'The Committee express their concern to note that so many regions are being neglected due to financial constraints, particularly when the very survival of agricultural livelihoods in these areas is at risk,' the report said. As Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) are being used to scale natural farming, the report said funding and staffing shortfalls persist. 'This staff shortfall is significantly impairing the KVKs' ability to effectively carry out their core functions,' it noted, citing 3,500 vacant posts. It also raised concerns about unequal service rules between ICAR and non-ICAR KVKs. 'The service conditions for employees in ICAR KVKs differ from those in non-ICAR KVKs, creating an unequal work environment,' the report said. The NMNF was approved by the Union Cabinet on November 25, 2024, as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme to promote chemical-free farming using livestock and plant inputs. In Parliament, Union minister of state for agriculture Ramnath Thakur recently said more than 10 lakh farmers had joined the initiative.
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Business Standard
5 days ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
Parliamentary panel flags 30% staff shortage in Krishi Vigyan Kendras
The panel said 30 per cent staff shortage in KVKs is hurting core functions and called for higher per hectare support and longer assistance for organic farming under DBT New Delhi A parliamentary committee on agriculture has expressed serious concerns over a 30 per cent staff shortage in Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), which, according to the panel, is affecting their core functions. KVKs are the front-line institutions for agricultural extension and are run by a variety of organisations, including state agriculture universities, social organisations, and state governments. Recently, the Union Ministry of Agriculture, along with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and other associations, conducted a fortnight-long campaign to understand and address farmers' issues and concerns. Over 730 KVKs across the country were at the forefront of the campaign. The parliamentary panel on the promotion of climate-resilient agriculture and natural and organic farming through KVKs, in its report tabled in the Lok Sabha, said the agriculture ministry's plan to increase the sanctioned staff strength in each KVK from 16 to 20 is a welcome step, but would be ineffective without prompt recruitment. It recommended that the ministry urgently address disparities in service conditions across KVKs by revising the memorandum of understanding for non-ICAR KVKs, especially those hosted by state agriculture universities (SAUs) and other organisations, to align service conditions and benefits with those of ICAR KVK employees. The panel also urged the agriculture ministry to establish a robust and consistent funding strategy with a long-term vision for KVK development. It said that while the proposed one-time grant of ₹2,500 crore may offer immediate relief, it cannot substitute for predictable annual funding increases that reflect the evolving needs of KVKs. The report further stated that the current level of financial support of ₹31,500–46,500 per hectare over three years is grossly inadequate for farmers transitioning to organic farming, owing to low yields and financial strain. The panel recommended increasing the direct benefit transfer for organic farming and extending the duration of such support. It noted that due to budget constraints, only 151 of the 310 districts identified as highly and very highly vulnerable to climate change have been selected for adaptation activities under the National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) programme. On natural farming, the panel acknowledged its importance as a chemical-free, sustainable practice promoted under the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF). It underscored the need for a standardised yet adaptable protocol and recommended expanding natural farming beyond the Ganga corridor to ecologically sensitive and degraded regions.
United News of India
05-07-2025
- Business
- United News of India
UP govt to make farmers brand ambassadors of natural farming
Lucknow, July 5 (UNI) In a major push to promote natural and organic farming across Uttar Pradesh, the state government has launched a unique initiative that turns farmers into brand ambassadors of sustainable agriculture. As part of this plan, 200 natural farming practitioners have been selected to serve as role models and spread awareness about the benefits of eco-friendly farming practices. Officials here today under this initiative, selected farmers will undergo specialised training through the 'Training of Trainers' (ToT) model. The first batch of master trainers will be prepared to conduct sessions at the divisional and district levels. This will enable the rapid adoption of modern yet sustainable farming techniques and encourage more farmers to shift to natural farming methods. The initiative is being implemented under the National Mission for Natural Farming with the support of Local Natural Farming Institutions, which will assist in training and capacity building. The goal is to create a strong foundation for natural farming in the state, making farmers more self-reliant and knowledgeable. These brand ambassador farmers will not only receive training and recognition but also play a critical role in spreading the message across the farming community. They will be given a distinct identity to help them lead awareness campaigns and training sessions, ultimately transforming the state's agricultural ecosystem. The initiative is expected to provide economic benefits to farmers while contributing to environmental sustainability. A detailed deployment plan for the first batch of trainers is also being prepared, outlining the number of trainers needed in each district and their areas of operation. This will help ensure effective implementation and maximise the scheme's impact. Officials said by empowering farmers and encouraging natural farming practices, the UP government aims to increase farmers' incomes, promote soil health, and lead Uttar Pradesh toward a greener and more sustainable agricultural future. UNI XC ARN
Hans India
12-06-2025
- General
- Hans India
Agricultural season begins in Anantapur dist
Anantapur: Marking the beginning of agricultural season, Eruvaka Pournami celebrations were held in Korrakodu village of Kuderu mandal, Uravakonda constituency. District Collector Dr Vinod Kumar V till the soil with traditional bullocks and a plough, and sowing seeds in a field. He expressed hope for abundant rainfall and a prosperous harvest this year. The Collector claimed that the government is fully committed to supporting farmers. 'Eruvaka Pournami is being held in all the districts in view of the upcoming Kharif season,' he noted. He said that distribution of groundnut and other seeds has already commenced, and the district has successfully met the assigned seed distribution targets. Highlighting the State's preparedness, he mentioned that several issues faced by farmers at the field level are being actively addressed. He added that they are expecting about 40% excess rainfall this year. He reiterated the government's promise to stand by every farmer and assured that all agricultural necessities would be made available through Rythu Seva Kendras. As part of the initiative to encourage millets cultivation, mini kits containing seeds of crops like ragi and red gram were distributed to farmers. The Collector also handed over groundnut seed packets and Soil Health Cards to them. Special Deputy Collector Tippa Naik, District Agriculture Officer Uma Maheswaramma, JD of Animal Husbandry Venkataswamy, DCO Aruna Kumari, DPM of Natural Farming Lakshma Naik, CARD NGO Nirmala Reddy, AO Vijay Kumar, MPDO Kullayi Swamy, Housing AE Ashok, APO Polerayya, AOs Bala Naik, Somashekar, Rakesh, various departmental officials, MPEOs, and farmers.
Time of India
05-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Farmers' body warns of climate change impact on agriculture, urges Andhra Pradesh government to take action
Vijayawada: Federation of All India Farmer Associations (FAIFA) expressed serious concern about growing climate adversaries resulting in serious losses to the farmers. The national-level farmers body appealed govts to adopt farmer-first, tech-driven solutions to tackle gaps. The FAIFA urged the govt there should be targeted subsidies for renewable energy, organic inputs, and micro-irrigation to make climate-smart practices more accessible to small and marginal farmers. It lauded the success of ICAR's flagship programme-National Innovations for Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA), which has reached nearly 6.93 lakh farmers through technology demonstrations and has trained 6.47 lakh stakeholders via 23,613 capacity-building programmes on climate resilient agriculture. FAIFA unveiled the report titled "Nourishing the Future: A Report on Climate-Resilient Agriculture" to mark the world environment day on Thursday. The report said that about 448 climate resilient villages have been established, and 650 district-level agricultural contingency plans have been developed as part of its interventions. The report's focus is in line with the latest developments initiated by the Centre to boost agriculture. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Some of the key efforts include the launch of the digital agriculture mission, the continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and the National Mission on Natural Farming. Addressing a seminar organized by FAIFA, delegates including policymakers, agricultural scientists, and MPs expressed concern over projections by the Indian Network for Climate Change Assessment (INCCA), which estimate a potential 6% to 25% reduction in wheat yields and a 3% to 15% decline in rice yields by 2050. The FAIFA report also highlights a study by the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) that warns of 10% to 30% fall in rain-fed crop yields across semi-arid regions. The report underscores that climate change, no longer a distant threat but a present and accelerating crisis for Indian agriculture, is beefing up its siege through erratic rainfall, unseasonal droughts, temperature spikes, and rising incidence of pests and diseases disrupting crop cycles. These weather events have severely impacted productivity, inflated input costs, and choked farmer incomes — compounding their distress. Small and marginal farmers, who form over 80% of India's agrarian community, are the worst affected due to limited adaptive capacity. Murali Babu, general secretary, FAIFA, said that the tangible impacts of climate variability on farming are becoming increasingly evident in states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh. Soil degradation, rising input costs, and falling water tables are putting significant pressure on farm productivity and incomes, particularly for small and marginal farmers. However, initiatives like ICAR's NICRA programme are encouraging, which has introduced practical climate-resilient solutions, such as solar-powered irrigation, drought-tolerant seed varieties, and capacity-building at the grassroots. These are already making a difference in many regions. Ather Matheen, vice-president, FAIFA said that sustainable agriculture must be viewed as a core economic strategy for Indian farmers and not just be seen as an environmental or regulatory concern. He said that climate-resilient models offer long-term financial benefits by lowering input costs, opening new markets, and reducing weather-related disruptions.
