Padma Shri Nek Ram Sharma trains Kullu farmers in natural farming techniques

Munish Sood
MANDI: A three-day training programme on “Practical Training on Local and Exotic Vegetables with Regional Practice” was organised at the Farmer Training Centre at Sundernagar in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh.

Farmers from Kullu district actively participated in the event, which focused on natural farming practices and the cultivation of coarse grains and vegetables.

Padma Shri awardee Nek Ram Sharma, a pioneer in natural farming, personally trained the farmers and shared his valuable experiences. During the session, Sharma emphasised the importance of growing coarse grains and vegetables through natural methods. He highlighted how consuming coarse grains can help prevent diseases like cancer.

Sharma also provided practical knowledge on improving soil fertility, organic pest management and enhancing crop quality through traditional techniques. He guided the farmers on how to reduce dependency on chemical fertilisers and adopt eco-friendly practices for better productivity.

In addition to Sharma’s training, the principal of the Farmer Training Centre, Dr Prachi, emphasised the importance of cultivating both local and exotic vegetables using natural farming techniques.
Dr Hitender highlighted the benefits and necessity of natural farming for sustainable agriculture.

The resource person provided valuable information on vegetable crop management, nursery management and post-harvest techniques.

Dr Prachi discussed methods for cultivating both local and exotic vegetables through natural farming. Dr Hitender explained the concept and benefits of natural farming, while Dr Desh Raj Sharma provided insights into pest management and the agricultural ecosystem.

On the second day, Dr Meena led a field visit to farms practicing natural farming in the Dhanotu and Balh development blocks.

The final day included sessions by Dr Sudhir on the role of indigenous cows in natural farming, Dr Rajeev on government initiatives, Dr Meena on preserving produce through natural methods and Dr Bhushan on the “Wapsa” technique and weed management.

They shared knowledge on indigenous cow-based farming, post-harvest management, government initiatives and weed control through the “Wapsa” technique.

Who is Nek Ram Sharma?

Padma Shri Nek Ram Sharma is a renowned organic farmer from Himachal Pradesh, known for revolutionising the concept of natural farming.

In the mid-1990s, he abandoned chemical fertilisers and adopted the “Nau-Anaj” system, which involves growing nine different crops on the same land to improve soil fertility and ensure diverse produce.

Sharma has also established a seed bank with over 40 indigenous crop varieties and provides these seeds to farmers across six states. His dedication to promoting organic farming and protecting biodiversity earned him the Padma Shri award in 2023.