A special event took place at Bihar Agricultural University (BAU) Sabour on Wednesday to celebrate the disbursement of the 21st installment of the PM-KISAN scheme, which saw Rs. 18,000 crore credited to farmers’ accounts nationwide. Approximately 300 farmers, along with scientists, university officials, and students, attended, bringing the total participation to nearly 600. This event was synchronized with the National Summit on Natural Farming in Coimbatore, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed farmers and innovators across India through a live broadcast. The Prime Minister stated that ‘Natural farming is the necessity of the 21st century,’ cautioning that excessive use of chemical fertilizers is harming soil health and jeopardizing long-term agricultural productivity.
He advocated for natural farming and crop diversification to become the primary focus of Indian agriculture. Modi pointed out the significant progress in India’s agricultural sector over the past 11 years, emphasizing that agricultural exports have almost doubled and asserting that natural farming could be crucial in addressing climate change. He also recognized farmers, scientists, and extension workers who have contributed significantly to natural farming efforts. Before the live address, BAU Sabour and the local Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) conducted a technical session led by Vice-Chancellor Dr. D. R. Singh, inviting farmers to voice their concerns.
Topics discussed included challenges in the dairy sector, pests and diseases affecting brinjal, the effects of flooding and waterlogging on paddy, and demands for flood- and drought-resistant paddy varieties. Dr. Singh directed scientists and officials to respond swiftly and implement solutions without delay. The Vice-Chancellor emphasized the need for the university to align fully with the Prime Minister’s vision, calling for a review of the last two years’ natural farming trials and the development of future strategies. He stressed expanding efforts across all agro-climatic zones in Bihar, aligning crop planning with district-specific needs, establishing villages as natural farming labs, prioritizing farmers’ challenges, and strengthening scientists’ presence in fields. The program commenced with a welcome address from Dr. S. K.
Pathak, Director of Extension Education, followed by insights from Dr. A. K. Singh, Director of Research, and was conducted by Senior Scientist Anita Kumari, Head of KVK Sabour.
