Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh Inaugurates 19th IFOAM Organic World Congress 2017 at India Expo Mart Greater Noida
ASHISH KEDIA (PHOTO/VIDEO SAURABH SHRIVASTAVA) TENNEWS
Union Cabinet Minister for Agriculture Radha Mohan Singh today inaugurated and addressed the 19th IFOAM Organic World Congress 2016 at India Expo Mart, Greater Noida.
The union minister reiterated Central Government’s commitment to promote organic farming in the nation and said that 22.5 lakh hectares have been brought under organic farming and 3,60,400 farmers are benefited by Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana.
Speaking about India’s rich tradition and long heritage of organic farming he said, “India is one of the oldest organic agricultural nation in the world. We always have had an inclination towards organic ways of farming. In modern times, to ensure good soil health, nutritious food for people and sustainable growth, it is very important to adopt organic methods of farming”.
“India is promoting organic farming by way that it is not done by any country. In terms of schemes and funding, India offers more for the promotion and extension of organic agriculture than most of other nations”, he further added.
Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling was also conferred with Life Time Achievement award at the occasion. He has been awarded with this acclaimed recognition because of his tremendous work in the field of organic agriculture that made Sikkim the first organic state in India.
Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi was also present on the occasion and expressed the delight of state government for being the host state of this World Congress.
He said, “It is true that agricultural technology of the green revolution had offered immense benefits when it was introduced. However with time, the negative environmental effects of dumping the soil with too many chemical fertilizers and pesticides are also visible. For these reasons UP government is making consistent efforts to move to Desi agriculture techniques and adopt organic farming in big way”.
Large number of organic farmers, scientists and experts from all over the world were also present during the ceremony.
