- Soil conservation, natural farming and agricultural innovations get a new boost, farmers urged to adopt eco-friendly farming – Agriculture Minister
On the occasion of World Environment Day, Mahatma Gandhi Horticulture and Forestry University, Durg, launched the “Save the Farm Campaign,” an initiative to give a new direction to sustainable agriculture and environmental protection in the state. Held in the presence of Agriculture Minister Shri Ramvichar Netam and Durg Lok Sabha MP Shri Vijay Baghel, the program placed special emphasis on soil conservation, natural farming, the use of organic fertilizers, and the promotion of agricultural innovations.
A large number of farmers, agricultural scientists, public representatives, students, and officials from the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments participated in the program. The campaign kicked off with tree planting to promote environmental protection, and exhibitions related to agriculture, horticulture, natural farming, and soil health were visited.
- Healthy soil is the foundation of prosperous agriculture.
Agriculture Minister Shri Ramvichar Netam said that preserving soil health is essential for strengthening the state’s agricultural system in the long term. He added that the unbalanced use of chemical fertilizers is affecting land productivity. Therefore, promoting natural farming, the use of organic resources, and soil-test-based nutrient management is the need of the hour. He urged farmers to adopt water conservation, soil health enhancement, and environmentally friendly agricultural techniques, emphasizing that technological innovation and scientific methods in the agricultural sector can play a vital role in increasing farmers’ income.
- Agricultural development and environmental protection go hand in hand
MP Shri Vijay Baghel said that agricultural development and environmental protection are complementary to each other. Conservation of land, water, and biodiversity is essential to ensure future food and nutrition security. He appealed to farmers to adopt natural and sustainable agricultural practices along with modern scientific techniques.
- University achievements released
During the event, various achievements and publications of the university were also released. These included the university anthem, an artificial intelligence-based web portal, a compilation of academic and research activities of nine faculties, the Vision 2047 document, and “Flora News.”
Praising the work being done by the university in the field of education, research, innovation and farmer welfare, the Agriculture Minister said that this institute is emerging as an important centre of horticulture and forestry development in the state.
- Farmers were given information about modern technologies
As part of the program, technical lectures and live demonstrations were organized for farmers on soil testing, organic fertilizer enrichment, natural farming methods, integrated pest and disease management in fruit and vegetable crops, and climate-friendly agricultural techniques. Farmers and students enthusiastically participated in these sessions, learning about new technologies.
- New direction for agriculture sector through Vision-2047
Presiding over the event, the University Vice-Chancellor stated that the “Save the Farm Campaign” is not merely an awareness program, but rather a message of collective responsibility for soil, water, and environmental protection. He explained that the University’s Vision 2047 presents an action plan to elevate agricultural, horticultural, and forestry education, research, and innovation to new heights.
This programme organised on World Environment Day emerged as an important initiative towards promoting natural farming, environmental protection and agricultural innovations in the state, which not only inspired farmers towards sustainable agriculture but also presented a clear outline of the future of the agricultural sector.