Agriculture and allied sectors contribute to 10% of the total Gross State Domestic Product (GDSP) and provide direct employment to 69% of the population of the State. Growing awareness of health and environmental issues in agriculture has focused on production of safe food which is also emerging as an attractive source of rural income generation. While trends of rising consumer demand for safe natural products are becoming evident, sustainability in production of crops has become the prime concern in agriculture development. The present socio economic situation of farmers across the country and in the State is not a healthy one. He is trapped in a vicious cycle of high cost agriculture, and uncertain returns both production wise and price realization wise. The problem gets worse with inclement weather conditions.
In the green revolution era, the plant protection chemicals including all pesticides like fungicides, insecticides, weedicides were used extensively to protect plants from pest and diseases. The argument behind using pesticide is that with the intensive agriculture, the problems of insect pests and diseases are taking complex shape and posing serious challenges. So the use of pesticides during last few decades has emerged as one of the essential agro-inputs to increase and sustain crop yields. Scientific surveys and evidences indicate that particles of pesticides, sprayed or used over crops leave undissolved and harmful elements which are transferred to human and other living bodies through grains, vegetables, fruits and grasses, causing a number of diseases, ailments and harmful effects on our health. To overcome the ill effects of chemical based farming, organic farming was advocated. But Organic farming is also proving to be costly and farmers are again falling in trap of industry. Thus a more sustainable farming system is required which can enhance farm income and also reduce dependence on external inputs. Some facts on chemical based farming and organic farming are: 1. Crop produced with chemicals are not good for health, contains heavy metals, causes several diseases and it pollutes the environment 2. The compound annual growth rate in yield of important crops in India is going to decline gradually even after use of Chemicals. 3. The efficiency of fertiliser is not more than 50% and balance is lost due to leaching which ultimately leads to soil and environment pollution. 4. Plant also uses nutrients from organic sources through mineralization and billions of microorganisms are available in soil for this job. 5. Excess and indiscriminate use of inorganic fertiliser has deteriorated soil badly with deficiency of macro and micronutrients. 6. Organic farming require large quantity of organic fertiliser which is difficult to obtain. Organic fertiliser may also contain heavy metal if it is purchased from outside. 7. The productivity of organic farming may be less in initial years and farmer may suffer financial loss. 8. Organic produce contains more vitamins, minerals, enzymes, trace elements and even cancer fighting antioxidants compare to conventionally grown food. To overcome the ill effects of chemical based farming as well as organic farming, introduction of Subhash Palekar Natural Farming-a concept suggested by Padam Shri Subhash Palekar, is a viable and sustainable option. As per concept, all essential as well as micronutrients required by the crop/plants are present in soil but are in unavailable form. Plant use nutrients from soil through mineralization and billions of microorganisms are available in soil for this job. But continuous use of chemical fertlisers and pesticides has reduced population of these useful microbes and need to be rejuvenated. Cow dung and urine of domestic Indian cows is good source of these microbes and its use has given promising results.
Thus to reduce cost of cultivation and enhanced farm income, Department of Agriculture HP has decided to implement Subhash Palekar Natural farming (SPNF) under new scheme called “PRAKRITIK KHETI KHUSHHAL KISSAN”
Government of Himachal Pradesh has decided to implement an innovative technique of Subhash Palekar Natural Farming (SPNF) under a new scheme called “PRAKRITIK KHETI KHUSHHAL KISSAN” to reduce cost of cultivation and enhanced farm income for the comprehensive and long term welfare and prosperity of farmers and to safeguard them from the adverse climate effects. The scheme has been announced by the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Government of H.P. in the Budget speech for the year 2018-19 and a budget provision of Rs. 25 crores has been made for the financial year 2018-19.
To enhance farm income in harmony with nature by adopting low cost climate resilient Subhash Natural Farming System. It will ensure short term and long term farmer’s welfare, particularly of small and marginal farmers.
State has started this programme during current financial year and department has organised two mega training programmes for selected farmers and extension officers. After preparatory work, which included training and capacity building of Agri./Hort. Deptt. functionaries, N.G.Os and progressive farmers, the field level implementation has commenced from current Rabi season. The entire programme is funded under State Plan. Programme is being implemented through District ATMAs.
