The MDH, led by Suresh Rathi, welcomed the ‘Mere Gaon Ki Mitti – Shudh Ugao, Shudh Khilao’ awareness campaign in Nagaur. This initiative aims to educate farmers on reducing pesticide usage, improving crop quality, and increasing income. The campaign, which commenced in Delhi on December 5, 2024, as part of MDH’s centenary celebrations, was flagged off by Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Bhagirath Chaudhary.
Notable attendees included CR Chaudhary, Chairman of Rajasthan Kisan Aayog and former MP; Nagaur District Collector Arun Kumar Purohit; Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj, Director of ICAR-NRCSS Ajmer; and several senior scientists and agricultural officers.
Suresh Rathi made two significant announcements at the welcome ceremony. Farmers producing crops with negligible pesticide content that meet domestic and international standards will receive premium prices for their produce. For instance, MDH will pay up to 15% more for IPM-quality cumin and 20% more for fenugreek leaves than market prices. Additionally, the MDH Chairman, Rajiv Gulati, expressed the company’s commitment to setting up a pesticide testing lab in Nagaur to benefit farmers and traders across Rajasthan.
Rathi appealed for support from the Rajasthan government, district administration, and ICAR to establish the lab promptly. This facility is expected to ensure that farmers meet quality standards, helping them secure better prices in both domestic and international markets.
CR Chaudhary emphasized the need for reduced pesticide use to ensure fair pricing for farmers. He highlighted that excessive pesticide use leads to rejected export samples and financial losses for traders. Chaudhary urged farmers to embrace MDH’s initiative as a public movement for healthier food production.
Nagaur District Collector Arun Kumar also extended the administration’s full support, noting the global reputation of Nagaur’s Kasuri methi for its unique aroma and taste.
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj of ICAR lauded MDH’s initiative, stating that reduced pesticide usage enhances crop value and preserves soil health. He assured farmers of the availability of modern techniques to achieve higher yields with minimal pesticide use.
India’s agricultural export market, valued at $55 billion, is steadily growing. Spices alone contributed $4.46 billion in 2023-24, with a 12% year-on-year increase. Reports suggest that with concerted efforts to reduce pesticide usage, the Indian spice export market could reach $20 billion by 2030.
Rajasthan, a key producer of cumin, fenugreek, coriander, and red chilies, benefits significantly from such initiatives. MDH’s campaign aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for organic farming and aims to make Indian spices a global benchmark for quality.
Sharad Rathi Member of MDH Family said, MDH, under the leadership of Rajiv Gulati, continues to uphold the legacy of Padma Vibhushan Late Mahashay Dharampal Gulati through its commitment to social welfare. The ‘Mere Gaon Ki Mitti’ campaign is a step towards empowering farmers, promoting sustainable practices, and strengthening India’s agricultural footprint in international markets.
This campaign, coupled with support from agricultural scientists, government bodies, and industry stakeholders, is expected to usher in a new era of pesticide-free farming, ensuring healthier food and prosperous farmers.
