290 natural farming clusters to be developed in Vizianagaram: Collector B.R. Ambedkar

The Vizianagaram district administration is planning to promote natural farming in a big way by organising training programmes for farmers in adopting traditional farming methods.

The government has observed that the excessive usage of fertilizers and pesticides has contaminated the soil at many places in the district. Although the yield was good, the soil was not fit for agriculture activity in the long run.

It has been observed that presently only 26,000 acres are currently under the natural farming category in the district. It was found that many villagers were reluctant to adopt traditional farming out of the fear of lower yields .

In this background, Collector B. R. Ambedkar directed agriculture and horticulture officials to develop 290 natural farming clusters and asked them to raise awareness about the benefits of natural farming in the long run.

“Farmers will receive financial assistance and suggestions from agriculture scientists under the National Mission on Natural Farming scheme, launched recently by the Union government,” he said.

Officials said: “If farmers avoid the use of fertilizers and pesticides that soil health would improve in a couple of years and it would lead to higher yields.”

Additionally, the chemical free farm products would also fetch higher incomes for farmers.

Agriculture officials will visit villages and create awareness on the Central government schemes alongside they will also explain the benefits of natural farming during the Kharif season.