Krushi Odisha 2025 featured a special session on Natural Farming

Bhubaneswar: 4/1/24; The Krushi Odisha 2025, a flagship event hosted by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment, featured a special session on Natural Farming and Odisha Balabhadra Jaivika Chasa Mission on its second day in Bhubaneswar.

The session highlighted the revolution brought about by organic and natural farming in Odisha, promoting sustainable agriculture and livelihood development.

Rasmitabala Dash, State Bio Chemist, Odisha, and RCONF, anchored the session, bringing together experts and practitioners to discuss various aspects of organic farming. The event was chaired by Jagat Singh, Regional Director, RCONF, Bhubaneswar, and co-chaired by Dr. Pravat Kumar Sarangi, former HoD Entomology, OUAT. Jagat Singh emphasized the urgent need for natural farming due to rising temperatures, highlighting agro-ecology, soil health, and production improvement under organic farming.

Other notable speakers included S. R. Ingle, Assistant Director, RCONF, who spoke on PGS Implementation and Documentation in Organic Farming, and Vinay M.R, Scientific Officer, RCONF, who addressed the topic of Recommended Organic Inputs Preparation and Application. Dr. Sabyasachi Biswal, Professor of Agronomy, OUAT, discussed the Green Revolution, while Dr. Paresh Panda, SBC, Bhubaneswar, talked about indigenous seeds and the Odisha Balabhadra Jaivik Chasa Mission.

The session also featured discussions on the role of bio-control agents in organic farming, the importance of pest management, and reducing dependency on chemical pesticides. Debaraj Mohanty, State Consultant, Kanak Bioscience and Research Pvt. Ltd., shared his experiences with indigenous aromatic rice cultivation, while Sarbeswar Mohanty, a farmer, spoke about his 15 years of experience in organic farming.

Krushi Odisha 2025 aims to promote sustainable agricultural practices, improve environmental health, and enhance food security. The event has attracted over 10,000 participants, including farmers, self-help groups, and agri-entrepreneurs from across Odisha.