The National Centre for Organic & Natural Farming (NCONF), in Ghaziabad (Uttar Pradesh, India) organized a two-day National Seminar cum Exhibition on Organic Farming on March 18-19, 2025. The event served as a platform for farmers, policymakers, researchers, and industry experts to come together and discuss the future of organic and natural farming in India.
The seminar was inaugurated by KMS. Khalsa, Director (Finance) of the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India. He was joined by Dr. Gagnesh Sharma, Director of NCONF, and Dr AK Yadav, Advisor at the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. Also present were Padma Shri awardee Dr Bharat Bhushan Tyagi and Gopal Bhai Sutariya from Bansi Gir Gaushala, Ahmedabad, along with officers from NCONF and Regional Centres of Organic & Natural Farming (RCONFs).
The Growing Relevance of Organic Farming
During his address, KMS. Khalsa highlighted the increasing importance of organic farming in today’s agricultural landscape. He assured attendees that proposals related to organic and natural farming would be given priority consideration for implementation. To mark the occasion, two publications—”Manual of Organic Farming” and “Souvenir”—were officially released, aiming to provide valuable information to farmers and stakeholders.
Dr Gagnesh Sharma delivered the keynote address, providing an overview of NCONF’s achievements in the domain of organic and natural farming. He emphasized the importance of certification and maintaining the quality of organic inputs, underlining that these factors play a crucial role in increasing market opportunities and ensuring better income for farmers.
Dr A K Yadav spoke about the current state of organic farming in India. He encouraged farmers to explore organic production and processing not only for domestic consumption but also for international markets. According to him, expanding organic farming efforts would not only support farmers but also contribute to strengthening the national economy.
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Community-Based Organic Farming and Cow-Centric Agricultural Models
Padma Shri Dr Bharat Bhushan Tyagi addressed the gathering on the need to scale up organic farming beyond isolated clusters. He advocated for a more widespread adoption of organic methods, emphasizing that larger-scale implementation would make certification processes more effective and benefit a greater number of farmers.
Gopal Bhai Sutariya introduced the “Gaukripa Krishi” model, which revolves around cow-based natural farming. He explained how farmers could incorporate cow-centric techniques into their agricultural practices, highlighting the economic and ecological advantages of this approach. He assured attendees that the model would be accessible to all stakeholders free of cost, promoting its widespread adoption.
Key Discussions and Exhibitions
The two-day seminar comprised four sessions, featuring a total of eighteen deliberations. These discussions focused on crucial aspects of organic farming, such as the role of Farmers’ Producer Organizations (FPOs), processor groups, and sustainable agri-food systems. Experts and innovators shared insights into farmer-friendly technologies, certification processes, processing techniques, and marketing strategies for organic produce.
A significant highlight of the event was the recognition of champion farmers from different parts of the country. Their achievements in organic farming were celebrated, reinforcing the importance of experience-sharing and peer learning in the agricultural community. Alongside the seminar, 23 exhibitors from across India showcased their initiatives, products, and services aimed at promoting organic and natural farming. The exhibition allowed visitors to engage directly with industry players and gain insights into the latest developments in the field.
Participation and Conclusion
Officers from Regional Centres of Organic & Natural Farming (RCONFs) in Ghaziabad, Nagpur, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, and Imphal actively participated in the seminar, reflecting a broad geographic representation of stakeholders. More than 200 participants, including farmers, researchers, and policymakers, attended the event, demonstrating a shared commitment to the growth of organic agriculture in India.
The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks, acknowledging the contributions of all speakers, participants, and organizers. The event successfully fostered discussions on organic farming, encouraged collaboration among stakeholders, and reinforced the need for continued efforts in promoting sustainable agricultural practices across the country.
