A one-day 'Prakritik Krishi Prashikshan Shivir' was successfully held on December 18, 2024, at Surya Sadhna Sthali, Jhinjhauli, Sonipat, Haryana. The event, organized as a joint effort between the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Sonipat, and the Surya Foundation, aimed to raise awareness about natural farming techniques, highlight their benefits, and promote eco-friendly agricultural practices. More than 200 progressive farmers participated in the program.
Chief Guest and Guest of Honour
M.C. Dominic, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Krishi Jagran, was present as the Chief Guest at the event. Hemant Sharma (Vice President, Surya Foundation), Dr. Pawan Sharma (Deputy Director, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Sonipat), and B.K. Pramod (Organic Agriculture Expert, Prajapita Brahmakumari Ishwariya Vishwavidyalaya, Sonipat) also participated as a special guests.
During the camp, farmers were introduced to various aspects of natural farming. Eight to ten farmers, including Arya Naresh, Ishwar Singh, Pawan Arya, Rajendra Singh, Mahendra Singh, and Abhishek Dhama, shared their personal experiences on stage, inspiring their peers. Their stories emphasized that higher yields can be achieved at lower costs through organic methods, showcasing the potential of sustainable farming practices.
Vision of Becoming a 'Millionaire Farmer'
In the program, the Chief Guest, M.C. Dominic, motivated the farmers and said, "We aim to make farmers prosperous so they can become 'Millionaire Farmers' and bring fame to their region at the national and international level. We want farmers' sons to become doctors, engineers, and scientists, and doctors' and engineers' sons to feel proud of becoming farmers. Krishi Jagran is fully committed to taking agriculture to this level."
Welcoming everyone and acknowledging the previous speakers, Hemant Sharma, Vice Chairman of Surya Foundation, addressed the farmers, saying, "Your goal should be to become millionaire farmers, so you too can earn the prestigious Millionaire Farmer of India (MFOI) Award. Every farmer should strive for progress. For the past three years, Surya Foundation has been working towards this vision. Those associated with us either visit the institute regularly, or our team visits their farms to observe their work and provide support. We are committed to advancing this cause with full dedication. I sincerely thank everyone for trusting us and joining this initiative. I also extend my gratitude to the speakers who are with us today, as they will help drive the issues of farmers forward. Once again, thank you all for being here."
Dr. Pawan Sharma, Deputy Director of Agriculture, Sonipat, expressed his gratitude to all the guests on stage and the farmers in the auditorium, saying, "Our first session focused on the 'Safal' initiative. The main goal was to encourage farmers to adopt natural farming practices on small plots of land—whether half an acre, one acre, or two acres. This approach will help reduce medical expenses and allow money that would have been spent on treatment to stay within the household. This is our primary aim. Once farmers realize that they are healthier, their costs are lower, and they are saving money, they will be naturally motivated to expand their natural farming practices."
He continued, “As part of this project, we have involved progressive farmer Abhishek Dhama, who practices natural farming on 65 acres and has established a self-help group. Farmers in this group don't have to go to the market to sell their produce; instead, large companies purchase their products directly. Our core objective is to promote natural farming and ensure that farmers’ produce remains free from harmful chemicals. Additionally, the Haryana government is encouraging farmers to register their farming details on the 'Meri Fasal Mera Byora' portal. This initiative helps the government build a database of farmers, enabling it to provide benefits through various schemes."
Dr. Pramod Kumar, District Horticulture Officer, welcomed all the guests on stage and the farmers in the auditorium, saying, “You are the true food providers. Nothing in nature is possible without you. No matter how much money one earns, everyone needs two rotis to eat, and only the farmer can grow them. If we must eat two rotis, why not ensure they are of the highest quality? The farmers involved in natural farming are the key to advancing our natural farming movement. After all, the farmer is the true well-wisher of the farmer. You all know that first, the basic needs must be met, and then the luxuries follow.”
“The Green Revolution began in our country when we needed more food, but today, the focus must shift to producing high-quality produce. If you grow quality produce through natural farming, form a group, brand your products, and sell them. This will help you secure a good price. As your branding grows, you will be able to command even better prices. I also encourage you to try your hand at gardening. The government offers a subsidy of Rs 50,000 per acre for gardening. And remember to register your farming details on the 'Meri Fasal Mera Byora' portal,” he added.
BK Pramod Didi, Brahmakumari Ashram, Sonipat, said, “It is a matter of great joy that we have all gathered here to improve the health of the Earth, which we also call our mother. Although we don't have much land—only about two hundred yards—we have never used any chemical fertilizers on it. I also appeal to all the farmers here to adopt natural farming.”
Main Activities of the Programme
The program began with a welcome ceremony for the guests at 11:00 am. From 11:15 am to 1:00 pm, a campus tour and sapling plantation drive took place, during which M.C. Dominic planted a sapling to promote environmental protection. At 1:30 pm, an in-depth discussion on natural farming was held, with farmers engaging with experts. At 2:45 pm, a Teachers Personality Development Camp (TPDC) was organized to further enhance their skills.
Impact of the Program
The program proved to be a highly educational experience for the farmers, as the insights shared by the experts inspired them to utilize natural resources and adopt more cost-effective production methods. The perspectives offered by M.C. Dominic, Hemant Sharma, Pawan Sharma, and B.K. Pramod significantly boosted the farmers' confidence, helping them realize that natural farming not only supports environmental conservation but also enhances their income potential.
Surya Foundation: Empowering Communities for a Better Future
Surya Foundation is a leading non-profit organization in India, founded in 1992 by Padma Shri Jaiprakash Agarwal. The organization is dedicated to the upliftment of the weaker, deprived, and backward sections of society and strives to bring positive change through education, health, self-reliance, and the dissemination of moral values.
The main objectives of Surya Foundation include promoting the right to education, expanding health services, fostering youth leadership, uplifting rural and urban communities, preserving Indian culture and traditions, and ensuring environmental protection. The foundation implements significant projects across key areas such as education, healthcare, rural development, culture and ethics, and environmental sustainability.
As a result of Surya Foundation’s efforts, numerous positive changes are taking place in society. The expansion of educational initiatives is creating better opportunities for underprivileged children, while the growth of health services is improving access to medical care in remote areas. Additionally, the foundation is providing youth with employment and self-reliance opportunities. The development of infrastructure in rural areas and efforts toward environmental protection are further contributing to the overall progress of society.
Programs like the Natural Farming Training Camp, alongside the initiatives of Surya Foundation, are playing a crucial role in societal development. These events are making significant strides in empowering farmers, youth, and marginalized communities, fostering a path toward sustainable growth and improved livelihoods.
For more information and support, please visit the Surya Foundation website.
