Driving Naari Programme launched in Chandigarh
Chandigarh, In order to promote organic farming in a systematic manner, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today announced to set up ‘Organic Farming Board’ in the state.
An announcement to this effect was made by the Chief Minister, while presiding over the valedictory function of fifth National Organic Farming Convention here at NITTTR.
In his address, the Chief Minister said that promotion of organic farming in the state was the need of the hour and the state government was committed to motivate the farmers for it. But at the same time, he said that it was obligatory on the part of national as well as regional organizations working for this cause to come forward to demonstrate the concept of organic farming on the farms at village level so as to woo the farmers, who were now engaged in commercial farming at the larger risk of health of human beings and even of soil. Mr. Badal pointed out that the Punjabi farmer was quiet resilient and never hesitated to follow new practices of farming provided he was assured of profitability, marketability and sustainability of his produce. “Here comes the crucial role of activists, scientists and progressive farmers committed to the cause of Organic farming to prevail upon our farmers to shift from inorganic farming to organic one” he added.
The Chief Minister apprised the gathering that the state government was taking path breaking initiatives to popularize organic farming through its nodal agency Punjab Agro and till date nearly 1000 farmers have been registered as certified organic farmers who were undertaking organic farming over 550 acres across the state. He reiterated his firm commitment to promote organic farming in a big way for which Punjab Agro would register 1000 farmers every year to make it a mass movement for saving the mankind from the ill effects of reckless use of pesticides, insecticides and chemicals fertilizers. Mr. Badal also announced to allot Panchayati land for setting up of organic farms in every block of the state, which would be instrumental in motivating the farmers to take up organic farming. He also announced to allocate shops in the cities and towns for selling fruits and vegetables produced organically besides selling Milk and milk products of the Desi/ local breeds of cows/ buffaloes.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by President of Chandigarh unit of BJP Mr. Sanjay Tandon, his Special Principal Secretary Mr. S Karunaraju and MD Punjab Agro Mr. Kahan Singh Pannu.
