Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah emphasized the government’s commitment to promoting organic farming as a sustainable solution for health and environmental challenges. Speaking at a landmark event in Raipur, Shah highlighted the growing global recognition of the dangers posed by chemical fertilizers and the need for an organic revolution in agriculture.
The occasion marked the signing of two significant Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between the National Cooperative Organic Ltd. (NCOL), the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), and the Chhattisgarh government. These agreements aim to advance the dairy sector and bolster the marketing and pricing of minor forest produce.
Concrete Steps for Organic Agriculture
“The Union government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken concrete steps towards promoting organic farming,” Shah said. He noted that organic farming benefits not only individual health but also the environment and soil fertility.
Shah pointed out two key challenges that hindered organic farming:
- Trust Deficit in Organic Products: With many uncertified products claiming to be organic, consumers doubted their authenticity.
- Low Farmer Returns: Farmers struggled to receive fair prices for their organic produce due to the lack of trust and certification.
To address these issues, the government established the National Cooperative Organic Limited (NCOL). Shah announced that certified organic products under two leading cooperative brands—‘Bharat’ and ‘Amul’—are now available. These products undergo rigorous soil and food testing, ensuring their quality and authenticity.
“In the next four years, certified organic grains will be available in Indian markets after comprehensive testing in every district,” Shah assured. He further added that 16 organic products are already available online, backed by the credibility of the Bharat and Amul brands.
Empowering Tribal Farmers
Shah stressed that the MoU related to minor forest produce will significantly benefit tribal farmers. “Forest produce, which was earlier sold at very low prices, will now fetch reasonable prices through certification and better marketing. This will empower tribal communities and increase their income,” he said.
Chhattisgarh’s Role in Development
Highlighting the natural resources of Chhattisgarh, Shah remarked that the state has abundant water, land, and hardworking people. “What was needed was a good start, and today’s programme marks two new and positive initiatives in the dairy and forest produce sectors through cooperatives,” he said.
The Chhattisgarh government also signed an MoU with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to develop the dairy sector. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, who was present at the event, lauded the agreements as a step towards economic empowerment and sustainable development in the state.
Conclusion
With these initiatives, the Union government aims to not only popularize organic farming but also provide tribal and rural communities with tools for economic upliftment. By leveraging the cooperative model, the agreements signed in Raipur signal a transformative phase for agriculture and allied sectors in India.
