French team, farmers discuss social impact of natural farming
Scientists from the French Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment, the Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (UHF), Nauni, and farmers discussed the social impact of natural farming initiatives at a recent workshop at the university.
This event was part of the European Union-funded Agroecological Protection towards International Co-Innovation Dynamics and Evidence of Sustainability (ACROPICS) project.
The workshop featured INRAE scientists Allison Loconto, Mireille Matt, Dr Evelyne Lhost and Dr Renne Van Dis.
They joined hands with UHF’s ACROPICS team and local farmers practicing natural farming to conduct a programme for the Analysis of Social Impact (ASIRPA).
The ACROPICS consortium includes 15 members from 12 countries and 12 academic institutions, including UHF.
The project is studying Sustainable Agroecosystems (SAS) from each member country.
The project is examining two SAS from UHF — Gram Disha Trust and Chaupal Natural Farmers Producers Company.
Loconto shared insights into the project’s objectives, showcasing innovative sustainable practices from various countries.
She said the sustainable practices being employed in several countries would offer valuable lessons in reducing chemical pesticide use and advancing agroecological crop protection.
The workshop included a presentation and discussion on the CETARA certification system for natural farming by ATMA, Mandi, Project Director Rakesh Kumar. The presentation emphasised the benefits of cost-effective certification and the importance of traceability in building consumer trust.
Director (Extension Education) Dr Inder Dev reiterated the university’s commitment to various agroecological practices, including natural farming, with the goal of providing safer, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective farming technologies.
The workshop included sessions on boosting natural farming activities and fostering collaboration among stakeholders to support these efforts.
The workshop was attended by representatives from Gram Disha Trust and three natural farming-based Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) based in Karsog, Solan and Sundernagar.
These FPCs are a part of UHF’s innovative Sustainable Food System Platform (SusPNF) project.
The initiative, supported by the State Agriculture Department and NABARD, aims to empower natural farmers, advance agricultural practices, and improve local community welfare. The university is leveraging its expertise to assist natural FPC in accessing grants and support from NABARD, bridging the gap between available resources and the farming community.
The partnership aims to establish a robust support system for natural farmers, encompassing vital resources such as post-harvest assistance, alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and various forms of technical support.
Nek Ram Sharma, a Padma Shri awardee known as the ‘millet man of the state’; ATMA Deputy Project Director Sanjay Kumar; Dr Subhash Sharma, Ashish Gupta and Rohit Vashisht of the university; and several farmers attended the event.
