Prof. Ramesh Chand, Member of NITI Aayog, Government of India and Chairman of the Institute of Economic Growth, New Delhi, praised the promising outcomes of natural farming and urged scientists to generate scientific data on this methodology. During his recent visit to Himachal Professor Chand interacted with University scientists and local farmers involved in natural farming.
During his visit Prof. Chand visited the university's main campus at Nauni where he interacted with the university's natural farming team. He was welcomed by University Vice Chancellor Prof. Rajeshwar Singh Chandel, who provided an overview of the university's initiatives to promote natural farming in the state. Prof. Chand emphasized the importance of continuously generating scientific data on natural farming to provide it with a robust scientific foundation. He also discussed the certification and marketing of natural produce.
Prof. Chand also visited the fields of Shri Shailender Sharma from Jaunaji and Shri Mandeep Verma from Shilli near Solan. Both farmers have been practicing natural farming for several years. Shailender Sharma showcased the impact of natural farming on exotic vegetables and apples, while Mandeep Verma discussed its effects on kiwi, high-density apple cultivation, and nursery production of temperate fruits. Both farmers shared their positive experiences and highlighted the environmental and health benefits of natural farming.