To curb use of pesticides in farming, the agriculture department has launched a project to train farmers in organic farming under the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana. Under the scheme, 250 farmers — 50 each from five villages of Bijnor — have been selected to take up wheat cultivation across 1,250 bighas by using organic inputs. So far, the experiment is on track, say experts monitoring it.

The farmers who have opted for organic farming under the scheme are getting a subsidy of Rs 29,800 per acre. The agriculture department has also set up point of sale centres where they can buy organic farm inputs. They are learning how to prepare bio-pesticide, bio-insecticide and bio-fertilizers and protect crops.

Talking with TOI, deputy director of agriculture JP Chaudhary said, “Soil quality is gradually deteriorating because of indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and insecticides here. Fossil and humus have started vanishing from the soil which make the land fertile and give required nutrients to plants. According to the soil standard, there should be 0.8% humus or fossil in healthy soil which have come down to 0.23%. It is an issue for concern.”

In Bijnor, farmers of five villages — Agri, Beeruwala, Rampur Nazrana, Aadimpur Dudhali and Shergarh — have been selected for organic farming scheme.

The agriculture department is not only imparting training to farmers but will also find ways to sell the organic produce that sell at higher prices than normal crops. For the purpose, once the crops are harvested, the product will be tested at state organic certification organization in Moradabad, where these farmers have to register. If the crops are as per norms, the farmers will be given a logo which they can paste on their produce.

Agriculture department officials believe once the experiment succeeds, it will motivate other farmers to also take up organic farming.

Samarpal Singh, a farmer from Maujipur village who has adopted organic farming, said, “Earlier, most farmers used to practice organic farming. But over the past two decades, farmers were made to use pesticides and insecticides which is harmful not only for humans but also destroys the soil. I have been practicing traditional farming for 10 years now. In the beginning, crop yield had come down but after three consecutive years, my efforts began to bear fruit. Now production is normal. I use bio insecticide and pesticide and vermicompost.

“We five farmers have set up a shop in Bijnor city where we sell our products. The cost of organic crop is higher than carbonic crop.”

He admitted that farmers are in a dilemma over adopting organic farming. “All farmers need to learn is how to prepare bio pesticides and insecticides. Apart from this, these products are available in the market also,” said Singh.

Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/