Agriversity Hosts Regional Seminar on Natural Farming

13 January 2026, Palampur: Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya Palampur in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Government of Himachal Pradesh, and the Regional Centre of Organic and Natural Farming, organized a One-Day Regional Seminar/Awareness Programme on Natural Farming under the Human Resource Development Programme of National Centre of Organic and Natural Farming at the University campus today. The programme witnessed the participation of more than 100 farmers, scientists, officers, and stakeholders from different districts of Himachal Pradesh.

The inaugural session was graced by Dr. Ravinder Singh Jasrotia, Director of Agriculture, Government of Himachal Pradesh, as the Chief Guest, while Dr. Gagnesh Sharma, Director, National Centre of Organic and Natural Farming, attended as the Guest of Honour. Dr. Suresh Sharma, Additional Director-cum-State Nodal Officer (Natural Farming) and Mr. Harish Srivathsa, Regional Director, RCONF, were also present among the dignitaries. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Ravinder Singh Jasrotia provided a comprehensive overview of Natural Farming initiatives being implemented in Himachal Pradesh and elaborated on the various Government schemes and support mechanisms available for farmers. He highlighted the role of Natural Farming in reducing cultivation costs, improving soil health, enhancing farm profitability, and mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change. He encouraged farmers to actively avail the benefits of state-supported programmes, training initiatives, and financial assistance aimed at promoting sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture.

In his address, Dr. Gagnesh Sharma, Director, NCONF, elaborated on the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS)-India for Natural and Organic Farming. He explained the concept, objectives, and benefits of PGS-India, highlighting it as a farmer-friendly, low-cost certification system that ensures quality assurance through peer appraisal and collective responsibility. He encouraged farmers to adopt PGS-India certification to improve market access, credibility of produce, and income prospects under Natural Farming systems.

In his message, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Ashok Kumar Panda emphasized that Natural Farming is a climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable approach that improves soil health, reduces input costs, and enhances farmers’ income. He reiterated the University’s commitment to strengthening Natural Farming through research-based extension, capacity building, and close collaboration with line departments.

A major highlight of the programme was the felicitation of progressive farmers practicing Natural Farming. These farmers were honoured by the Director of Agriculture, Government of Himachal Pradesh, in recognition of their outstanding contribution towards promoting chemical-free and sustainable farming practices at the grassroots level.

Progressive Natural Farming Farmers Felicitated (District-wise):

• Bilaspur: Sh. Mangal Singh (VPO Kuthela, Tehsil Shri Naina Devi Ji)
• Hamirpur: Sh. Desh Raj (Village Tikkar, Tehsil Sujanpur)
• Kangra: Smt. Sumna (VPO Andretta, Tehsil Palampur); Smt. Rajena (VPO Dhoran, Tehsil Palampur)
• Kullu: Sh. Duni Chand (Village Riyara, PO Pangan, Tehsil Naggar)
• Mandi: Sh. Ajay Kumar (Village Tikkri, PO Chauntra, Tehsil Joginder Nagar)
• Shimla: Sh. Hem Raj Sharma (Village Moolberi Devnager, PO Devnager)
• Sirmaur: Sh. Ranjeet Singh (Village Kaushipur, PO Nihalgrah, Paonta Sahib)
• Solan: Sh. Sanjeev Thakur (VPO Bhaguri, Tehsil Baddi)
• Una: Smt. Suresh Kumari (VPO Chururu, Tehsil Amb)

The programme featured technical sessions, experience sharing by progressive farmers, and interactive discussions focusing on Natural Farming practices, certification, and market linkage. The University acknowledged the support of NCONF, RCONF, and the Department of Agriculture, Government of Himachal Pradesh, as well as the coordinated efforts of the Directorate of Extension Education, CSKHPKV, in making the programme successful.

The seminar concluded with a collective resolve to upscale Natural Farming in Himachal Pradesh through continuous capacity building, farmer-led innovation, and institutional support.

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