Use Organic Fertilizers to Safeguard Soil Health, Urges Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan

In a virtual interaction on Saturday, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, strongly advocated for a gradual shift towards organic fertilizers, emphasizing the urgent need to protect soil fertility and enhance human health. Addressing farmers and 'Swayampurna Mitras'- officials responsible for implementing government schemes- in Goa, Chouhan highlighted the detrimental effects of chemical fertilizers on soil quality.

Chouhan stressed that the continued use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides could render the soil infertile over time, posing significant risks to both agriculture and public health. Chouhan emphasized the need for a gradual shift towards organic farming, warning that the ongoing use of chemical fertilizers is harming soil health and could eventually lead to infertility if not addressed. He also noted the negative impact on human health and praised the Goa state government for its proactive measures in supporting organic farming through subsidies.

The interaction, which was broadcast across Goa's panchayats, municipalities, and zonal agricultural offices, was also attended by Goa's Chief Minister, Pramod Sawant. Chouhan praised the 'Swayampurna Goa' initiative, a state-led effort aimed at achieving self-sufficiency, as a model for other states to follow. He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously highlighted this initiative, encouraging its adoption nationwide.

Chouhan noted that Prime Minister Modi is focused not just on the present but on the long-term vision for the country, setting a target for achieving a developed India by 2047. He mentioned that the Prime Minister recently presented the roadmap for this vision, called Viksit Bharat, to the Union cabinet. He further outlined the government's commitment to doubling farmers' income by 2047, emphasizing that increased production through sustainable practices like organic farming is key to achieving this goal.

As Goa continues to push for organic farming, Chouhan's call to action serves as a reminder of the critical role sustainable agriculture plays in securing the future of India's farming community and ensuring the health of its citizens.

Addressed Goa's Swayampurna Mitras, Sarpanches, Panchas, farmers, and SHGs during the Atmanirbhar Bharat, #SwayampurnaGoa program. Discussed with the Chief Minister of Goa Shri @DrPramodPSawant Ji the importance of natural farming and the development of agriculture and… pic.twitter.com/TIPa1VajQS
— Shivraj Singh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) August 31, 2024