Vizianagaram to Establish 290 Natural Farming Clusters: Collector

Quick Summary

• Vizianagaram district administration plans to promote natural farming through farmer training programs emphasizing customary farming methods.
• Excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides has degraded soil quality, making it unsustainable for long-term agriculture, despite good yields.
• Currently, only 26,000 acres in the district are under natural farming practices. Many farmers hesitate to adopt these methods due to concerns over potential lower yields.
• District Collector B.R. Ambedkar has instructed officials to establish 290 natural farming clusters and raise awareness about its long-term benefits.
• Farmers will receive financial support and guidance from agricultural scientists under the recently launched National Mission on Natural Farming scheme by the Central government.
• Officials noted that avoiding fertilizers and pesticides woudl improve soil health over time, leading to higher yields and increased income thanks to chemical-free farm products.
• Awareness campaigns are planned during village visits by agricultural officials, focusing on benefits during the upcoming Kharif season.

Indian Opinion Analysis

Natural farming promotion in Vizianagaram aligns with broader environmental goals while addressing concerns about soil degradation caused by chemical-intensive agriculture. By organizing farmer training programs alongside financial support via a national initiative like the national Mission on Natural Farming scheme, authorities appear committed to reducing barriers such as yield anxiety among farmers reluctant towards the transition.

The establishment of 290 clusters is a structured approach that could serve as a model for wider adoption if prosperous. The direct involvement of scientific experts indicates a knowledge-based strategy underpinning this shift toward sustainable agriculture practices-critical in maintaining India’s long-term food security while responding proactively to environmental challenges.

As chemical-free products increasingly command higher prices globally due to growing consumer preference for organic goods, Vizianagaram’s efforts may also contribute economically by tapping into premium markets. However, convincing small-scale farmers remains essential for scaling this initiative effectively given their risk aversion toward experimentation with non-standardized practices.

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