Balveer Thakur, a pioneer in organic farming from Mandi trains over 700 farmers for sustainable future
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The Newz Radar
MANDI: Balveer Singh Thakur, a forward-thinking farmer in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, has been operating an organic farming school at his residence where he has already provided free training to more than 700 farmers.
In recent times, successive governments have exerted substantial efforts to encourage farmers to adopt organic farming. This technique involves utilising biological materials while avoiding chemical substances, promoting soil health. Consequently, organic farming results in reduced pollution, soil fertility preservation, ecological balance maintenance, and biodiversity conservation. Notably, it excludes the use of synthetic pesticides and chemical compost.
Balveer Singh, hailing from Bir village near the Mandi district headquarters, stands as a role model for farmers by embracing integrated organic farming in his fields. His success is attributed to his enthusiasm for advanced technologies, hard work and self-motivation to initiate profitable agricultural practices. Balveer Singh has established a farming school on his property, offering free training to farmers in the production of organic fertilisers and pesticides.
He exemplifies a successful farmer, demonstrating that significant strides in agriculture can be achieved with investments in the right direction and equipping farmers with the latest knowledge. Balveer produces organic fertilisers like “Jivamrit” and “Ghritjivamrit”, along with organic pesticides such as “Agni Astra”, “Brahma Astra”, and “Dashpriya Ark”, which have gained attention among progressive farmers.
Recognised as a progressive farmer, Balveer Singh generously shares his organic farming knowledge with fellow farmers and senior officers in agriculture and allied departments. He utilises the knowledge gained in meetings to enhance crop cultivation in his fields.
Balveer Singh, having received a seven-day training in natural farming from Padma Shri Subhash Palekar in Palampur in 2018, now serves as a natural farming instructor. He has provided training to nearly 700 farmers through departmental camps and at his home.
Anil Sharma, a farmer from Bilaspur district, came to Mandi specifically to learn the methods of producing organic fertilisers and pesticides from Balveer’s farm. He highlighted the shift towards organic farming, emphasising its health and environmental benefits, while acknowledging the government’s scheme promoting organic agriculture.
It is noteworthy that the government’s scheme has successfully motivated many farmers to embrace organic farming, gradually reducing the use of chemicals in fields. The true success of this initiative will be evident when the complete elimination of chemical usage is achieved.
