MP Dr. Rawat Suggests Clear Policy for Branding of Natural Farming Products
Udaipur — Udaipur MP Dr. Mannalal Rawat participated in the Advisory Committee meeting of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare held in Srinagar, chaired by Union Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Dr. Rawat presented several issues related to the tribal region and provided constructive suggestions during the discussion focused on Natural Farming and Edible Oil Self-Reliance.
Dr. Rawat emphasized that Mahua seeds (Dolma), traditionally used in Scheduled Areas for oil extraction, must be included in the national plan for edible oil self-reliance. He proposed mass plantation of Mahua trees on vacant forest land to support this initiative.
Highlighting the need to promote sustainable agricultural practices, Dr. Rawat suggested that farmers holding land under the Forest Rights Act—many of whom are still practicing traditional methods—should be encouraged to join the Natural Farming Mission. He stressed that these farmers are ideal candidates for such ecological models.
Dr. Rawat urged the formulation of a clear and comprehensive branding policy for natural farming products to ensure credibility and market reach among consumers.
Pointing to regions with poverty and migration, especially in Scheduled Areas of Rajasthan and other states, Dr. Rawat called for special preference in appointing Collectors to ensure better implementation. He also recommended that the role of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) be strengthened and that District Mineral Foundation (DMFT) be integrated for convergence, as outlined under the Prime Minister’s Mineral Area Welfare Scheme 2024.
Addressing the issue of research follow-through, Dr. Rawat stated that natural farming projects initiated by universities like MPUAT Udaipur are often abandoned after 2–3 years, limiting long-term benefits for farmers. He proposed continued follow-up to ensure practical application.
He also emphasized the importance of promoting tree-based edible oils, urging collaboration between the Ministry of Forests and Ministry of Tribal Affairs. He noted that discussion on corn oil remained limited in the meeting and recommended official inclusion to benefit farmers in regions like Mewar and Vagad.
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan acknowledged the valuable inputs and mentioned that the meeting had involved in-depth discussions on future strategies to boost natural farming and oilseed production. He reiterated the government’s commitment under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to increase productivity, reduce costs, ensure fair prices, and uplift the prosperity of Indian farmers.
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