The International Conference & Workshop on 'Mission 2047: MIONP' – Make India Organic, Natural, and Profitable, hosted by Krishi Jagran in partnership with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), concluded successfully on March 21, 2025, at the NASC Complex in New Delhi. The two-day event gathered a diverse group of experts, researchers, industry leaders, forward-thinking farmers, and other key stakeholders, who exchanged insights on organic and natural farming. The theme of 'Bharat ka Jaivik Jagran' emphasized the need for a profitable transition towards organic farming, aiming to make India a global leader in organic and natural agriculture.
The conference featured four simultaneous Round Table Sessions focusing on eight focus areas essential for the growth of organic farming in India. These included enhancing the quality and efficiency of farmyard manure, restoring soil fertility, improving crop yields through technology, and reducing water use while recharging groundwater. Other key discussions centered around biological pesticides, precision farming, capacity building for organic input testing, and the development and utilization of indigenous seeds. The event underscored the importance of a sustainable and profitable shift to organic farming, empowering farmers and stakeholders to contribute to India's agricultural transformation.
On day two, the sessions included the preparation of a White Paper on all eight subjects, summarizing the discussions and key takeaways. Presentation of solution papers was made by the Chairpersons and Co-Chairs of each focus area. An Open House followed, giving delegates the opportunity to engage in discussions and share insights. Here are some insights shared by the Chairperson and Co-Chair of all eight key focus areas:
Dr. Rajbir Singh, DDG of Agriculture Extension at ICAR, shared his thoughts on the significance of the phrase "Organic, Natural, Profitable," emphasizing how the word "profitable" stood out to him. He noted that while many talk about organic and natural farming, few believe it can be financially viable. Dr. Singh highlighted the importance of making farming profitable through these practices, which is essential for driving the progress of a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India). He expressed a keen interest in learning about the insights and discussions from the past 48 hours to help shape a roadmap for sustainable and profitable agriculture, especially for farmers.
Dr. Singh further pointed out the severe environmental challenges we face today, including soil, air, and water pollution, stressing that while water is essential for farming, it is already heavily polluted. Reflecting on the past, he spoke about the Green Revolution's neglect of biodiversity and the vital role of microbes in agriculture. He lamented the loss of diverse crops and wildlife, with only rice and wheat being commonly seen. He emphasized that the foundation of natural and organic farming lies in preserving and enhancing microbial life. If these practices are adopted holistically, he is confident that farming can become both profitable and sustainable in the future.
Dr. S.N. Jha, Deputy Director General of Agricultural Engineering at ICAR, emphasized the importance of natural and organic farming while highlighting the role of technology in modern agriculture. He encouraged farmers to embrace modern farming practices and underscored the need for proper training to maximize the benefits of technology in enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability.
Dr. Malvika Dadlani, an expert in Traditional Seed Development, Improvement, and Utilization, shared her insights on the benefits and challenges of organic farming. She highlighted that farmers practicing organic farming are not only satisfied with the ease of cultivation but also see higher profitability. However, she noted that there is a lack of formal seed supply for traditional varieties, and State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) are not very active in approving farmers' varieties, especially in the northern regions. Dr. Dadlani emphasized the need for a comparison of the best traditional seed varieties suited for specific zones, adding that while traditional varieties have great potential, over 100 biofortified and stress-resistant varieties of vegetables and field crops have been released in recent years. For farming to be economically viable, she believes farmers should have the freedom to choose the best seed variety and farming system based on their agroecological zone.
Dr. Dadlani also proposed a solution to the seed supply issue, suggesting that Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) working in organic and natural farming could take the lead in multiplying traditional varieties in larger quantities. Private companies, with their resources, infrastructure, and trained workforce, could also play a significant role in making these varieties more widely available and profitable. She further pointed out that integrating traditional farming practices, such as the use of fish, jaggery, and banana peel for rice cultivation in Arunachal Pradesh, could lead to nutrient-dense production. Dr. Dadlani concluded by advocating for a stepwise transition to organic farming, starting with integrated farming systems with minimal chemical use, followed by a gradual shift to organic methods.
Makarand Karkare, the General Secretary of the Bhartiya Agri Economic Research Centre, emphasized, “To ensure healthier food and healthier people, we must begin by enhancing soil fertility, as it is fundamental to sustainable agriculture. It is crucial that students learn the principles of farming, which should be incorporated into the curriculum. I commend MC Dominic, the Founder & Editor-in-Chief of Krishi Jagran and Agriculture World, for launching the MIONP initiative—Make India Organic, Natural, and Profitable—and I wish it great success.”
Pramod Chaudhary, President of the Bhartiya Agri Economic Research Centre, shared his insights on the economics of agricultural subsidies while also highlighting the challenges associated with them. He emphasized that we are at a pivotal moment, where we have the opportunity to make significant strides in promoting organic and natural farming. He also stressed the importance of acknowledging and appreciating the invaluable contributions of our farmers, the Annadatas.
Dr. Sandeep Shirkhedkar, an expert in water conservation technologies and groundwater restoration, emphasized the importance of innovative methods to manage water resources for sustainable agriculture. He highlighted the use of farm ponds and absorption pits, particularly in sloped areas, to capture and store water for farming. Through "Project Jaltara," he explained the technique of digging 5x5x5-foot pits on every acre and filling them with boulders to facilitate water percolation and enhance groundwater recharge. Dr. Shirkhedkar also advocated for mulching to reduce evaporation rates and stressed the need for cropping patterns to be tailored according to available water resources. Furthermore, she emphasized the introduction of bioagents to improve soil porosity and recommended the use of soil moisture sensors to optimize water usage.
Sandeepa Kanitkar, Chairperson and MD, Kan Biosys (Technologies for stress Management & Crop yield Improvement), “Today we stand at a critical juncture in the field of agriculture, where innovative technologies and sustainable practices can transform the way we approach farming. One such revolutionary practice is the use of biochar for soil amendment, which not only improves soil health but also contributes to carbon sequestration and decentralization. The role of biofertilizers is paramount in this shift, as we move away from harmful chemicals.”
“Furthermore, it is essential to develop technologies that optimize water usage, ensuring that we get more crop per drop. Green and blue water management strategies, alongside effective cultural practices like green manuring and mulching, can significantly enhance yields and soil fertility. Soil testing and microbiome assessment should be more precise, and centralized monitoring via satellite can help track agricultural performance in real time,” she added.
Dr. MS Rao Former Head & Principal Scientist of ICAR – Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Government of India said, “Biological control plays a crucial role in making crops highly sustainable. Biopesticides, biofungicides, and bionematicides like Trichoderma and Pseudomonas offer effective crop protection by enhancing plant health and resilience. Plants like Pongamia pinnata and Neem serve as prophylactic agents, helping induce resistance in crops and protecting them from diseases and pests. These biological agents, including endophytic organisms, work by inducing systemic resistance in plants, making them immune and tolerant even before any pest or disease attack. Moreover, pheromones are essential tools for pest monitoring and management, contributing significantly to integrated pest control.
“While there is innovation in this field, much of it is not reaching farmers in practical, accessible forms. The need for low-cost, eco-friendly, and sustainable technologies is crucial. Farmers require solutions that are economically viable, moisture-retentive, drip-compatible, and easy to transport. We need refinement in packaging, standardization of formulations, and a more robust evaluation of technological models. By making these advancements available and accessible to farmers, we can help create sustainable agricultural practices that benefit both the environment and the economy,” he added.
Prof. Moni Madaswamy, Professor Emeritus and Chairman of CAIRS & CADMS at Shobhit Institute of Engineering and Technology, Meerut, and Former Director of NIC, shared insightful views on the impact of digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in agriculture. He emphasized the importance of bringing agricultural advancements to the grassroots level. Despite the Digital India initiative, he noted that digital penetration in agriculture, according to the NASSCOM Report 2023, remains at a mere 3%. He stressed the need for increasing awareness and trust among small farmers, pointing out that while numerous websites and apps exist, farmers are often unaware of these resources.
Prof. Madaswamy also discussed the potential of smart integrated farming, smart rainfed farming, and smart tribal farming in transforming the agricultural landscape. He underscored the critical role of data mining in digital agriculture, highlighting its necessity for optimizing farming practices. According to him, artificial intelligence (AI) will have a profound impact on the agricultural sector, with the combination of agronomy and AI leading to the evolution of precision farming.
Dr. Dattatray Garway, MD, Anacon Laboratories, emphasized the importance of testing and certification of food products to ensure a healthier India. He highlighted the need for smaller farmers to be integrated into larger, organized structures like cooperative farming entities or Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs). By promoting this model, farmers can benefit from collective resources and expertise, while maintaining ownership of their land. Under this system, revenue distribution would be equitable, based on the land acreage, ensuring sustainable growth and fair compensation for farmers.
The event concluded with a Valedictory Session, where all partners and sponsors were felicitated, followed by a group photograph to commemorate the momentous occasion.
