India Poised to Become Global Hub of Natural Farming, Says PM Modi

Asserting that India is on the path to becoming the global hub of natural farming, which woudl help the country face climate change challenges, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said the youth of India are increasingly recognising agriculture as a modern and scalable opportunity which would greatly empower the rural economy. In his address after inaugurating the three-day South India Natural Farming Summit at the Codissia Trade Fair complex in this Textile city and an expo after interacting with farmers who also took selfies with him, Mr Modi said Natural farming is India’s own indigenous idea. It was rooted in its traditions and suited to our environment, he said, while urging the farmers to adopt the practice of ‘One Acre, One Season’ natural farming.

Emphasising the expansion of natural farming is the need of 21st-century agriculture, the Prime Minister observed that in recent years, rising demand has led to a sharp increase in the use of chemicals across farms and various agriculture-related sectors.

He noted that excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides is reducing soil fertility, affecting soil moisture, and increasing the cost of farming year after year and said the solution lies in crop diversification and natural farming.

Observing that to revive soil fertility and enhance the nutritional value of crops, the Prime Minister stressed that the country must move forward on the path of natural farming.

"This is both a vision and a necessity. Only then can we preserve our biodiversity for future generations.

The Prime Minister underlined that natural farming helps us face climate change and weather fluctuations, keeps our soil healthy, and protects people from harmful chemicals.

He said this event is poised to play a significant role in advancing this important mission.

Stating that our goal must be to make natural farming a fully science-backed movement, the Prime Minister said in the coming years, he envisioned major transformations in Indian agriculture.

“India is on the path to becoming a global hub for natural farming”, Mr Modi affirmed, noting that the country’s biodiversity is evolving, and the youth are now viewing agriculture as a modern, scalable opportunity.

This shift, he said, will greatly strengthen the rural economy. Highlighting that over the past 11 years, the entire agricultural sector has undergone a significant change, he shared that India’s agricultural exports have nearly doubled, and the government has opened every possible avenue to support farmers in modernising agriculture.

Underscoring that through the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme alone, farmers have received assistance exceeding Rs 10 lakh crore this year, Mr Modi said since the extension of KCC benefits to livestock and fisheries sectors seven years ago, those engaged in these areas have also been availing its advantages extensively.

He also said that the reduction in GST on bio-fertilizers has further benefited farmers.

During his address, the Prime Minister said just moments ago, from this same platform, the 21st installment of the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi was released, transferring Rs 18,000 crore to the bank accounts to support nine crore farmers across the country. and said lakhs of farmers in Tamil Nadu have also received funds in their accounts.

The Prime Minister said under this scheme, Rs 4 lakh crore has been directly transferred to the bank accounts of small farmers so far, enabling them to meet various agricultural needs.