Agriculture Minister urges farmers to turn to organic farming for soil health

Union Agriculture Minister Radhamohan Singh on Sunday called on farmers NGOs and other stakeholders to adopt organic farming to improve soil health and fertility.

At a programme organised here by the National Centre of Organic Farming, he said the Centre is committed to promoting organic farming and providing all possible help to farmers in this regard.

"Organic farming has the potential of providing livelihood to farmers, and create employment opportunities for rural as well as for urban people," Singh said.

Under the 'Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojna (PKVY)', Rs 1,307 crore has been allotted between 2015-16 and 2018-19 financial years to promote organic farming in the country on cluster mode, he said, adding under the scheme, till date 23.02 lakh hectare land has been brought under certified organic farming.

The minister said, taking inspiration from Sikkim, that has become the first organic state of India, other northeastern and hilly states are preparing to go for fully organic farming.

Singh also said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is leaving no stones unturned to ensure that the income of farmers doubles by 2022.

(With inputs from agencies.)