MPUAT: Optimal Use of Resources Is Possible Through Natural Farming – Dr. Sharma

Udaipur. Under the aegis of Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology (MPUAT), Udaipur, a 21-day national training programme titled “Natural Agriculture – Direction and Approach for Resource Conservation and Ecological Balance” is being organized by the Directorate of Research, Udaipur, from January 3 to January 23, 2026. The programme is being conducted under the Advanced Faculty Training Centre on Organic Farming, sponsored by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi.

Dr. S. K. Sharma, Assistant Director General (Human Resource Management), ICAR, New Delhi, attended the programme as the chief guest and spoke about its need and objectives. He stated that the country needs to reduce fertilizer use by 25 percent, water consumption by 20 percent, increase the use of renewable energy by 50 percent, reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 45 percent, and rehabilitate nearly 26 million hectares of land. To achieve these goals, it is essential to promote natural farming not only through agricultural curricula but also by disseminating new technologies to the general public—one of the major challenges facing agricultural scientists today. He added that indigenous technical knowledge and farmers’ experiences would also be shared under natural farming practices.

Dr. Sharma informed that 26 scientists from 21 institutions across six states of the country are participating in this training. He emphasized that natural farming has become an international and global necessity, as well as a priority for today’s farmers. Research on natural farming has been underway for the past five years, and countries like Japan have been practicing it since ancient times. ICAR has already introduced natural farming courses at the undergraduate level across India. He further stated that in the 21st century, the demand for safe and nutritious food is increasing, and only by integrating natural and ecological factors into agriculture can the entire agricultural system move toward “pure agriculture.” Under the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, natural farming is being promoted across the country, which will ensure low-cost farming along with food and nutritional security. To safeguard agriculture from the adverse effects of climate change, integrating components of natural farming into modern agriculture is essential.

On this occasion, after welcoming the guests, Dr. Arvind Verma, Director of Research, stated that natural farming helps improve soil health and promotes beneficial insects. In the era of climate change, natural farming plays a vital role in conserving natural resources and maintaining ecological balance.

In his address, Dr. Verma highlighted that across the world, “resource danger” has emerged due to declining soil quality, falling groundwater levels, loss of biodiversity, deteriorating air quality, and imbalance in the five elements of the environment, making the impact of green agricultural technologies unsustainable. He explained that climate change and ecological imbalance are affecting human and animal health as well as increasing production costs. Scientific evidence now clearly shows that food and nutritional security cannot be achieved solely through modern technologies and excessive exploitation of land’s biological capacity. He emphasized the need to reduce farmers’ dependence on market-based inputs and promote natural farming through collective management of local resources.

The programme was attended by university directors, deans, heads of departments, and faculty members. The training programme was conducted by Dr. B. G. Chhipa, and the vote of thanks was presented by Dr. Ravikant Sharma, Associate Director of Research.