Odisha Officials Trained in Natural Farming to Boost Sustainable Agriculture

Bhubaneswar: A three-day residential training program on Natural Farming was successfully conducted at the Centre of Natural Farming, Sambhav, Odisha, from 13th to 15th February 2025. The training was organized for State and District Officials of Odisha, supported by the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF), Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India, in collaboration with MANAGE, the Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment Department, Government of Odisha, and Sambhav, Rohibank, Nayagarh District. A total of 32 government officials from the Departments of Agriculture, Horticulture, Veterinary, and Odisha Livelihoods Mission (OLM) participated in the program.

Day 1: Inauguration & Technical Sessions

The training commenced with an inaugural address by Sabarmatee, Secretary-cum-Chief Executive of Sambhav, who highlighted the significance of Natural Farming and expressed gratitude to the State and Central Governments for selecting Sambhav as a training center.

The inaugural session was led by Jami Surya Rao, Additional Director of Agriculture, Kishore Mahaling, Joint Director of Horticulture, and Prafulla Kumar Bhanja, JDH (Trainee), Government of Odisha, who provided an overview of NMNF and outlined the roles and responsibilities of officials. Paresh Kumar Panda, State Bio-Chemist, elaborated on various government schemes related to Organic and Natural Farming, including PKVY, BPKP, and Odisha Balabhadra Jaivika Krishi Yojana.

Additionally, discussions were held on the importance of NGOs, FPOs, CBOs, CSR initiatives, and research institutions in promoting Natural Farming. Suman Singh Pattnayak, CDAO, Nayagarh District, provided an overview of Natural Farming, while Ekadashi Nandi, Consultant for Natural Farming, Government of Odisha, conducted a detailed session on the principles, concepts, components, and narrative of NMNF.

Day 2: Interactive Sessions & Field Visits

The second day focused on practical training and field demonstrations at Sambhav, covering key aspects such as land preparation and water conservation techniques, seed conservation and exchange methods, and mulching techniques and their benefits.

In the afternoon, participants visited two villages—Mahulpalli (Ganjam) and Mantukhaman (Nayagarh)—to observe Sambhav’s BKBK initiative (Bhal Khaiba, Bhal Khuaiba – “We will eat safe and good food, and we will feed safe and good food”). Members of local Snehamandalis (women’s self-help groups) shared their experiences transitioning to Natural Farming, offering valuable insights to the officials.

Day 3: Planning & Conclusion

The final day featured a review of training sessions, discussions on the transition process for farmers, funding mechanisms, and implementation strategies at the cluster, block, district, and state levels.

Trainers Ekadashi Nandi and Sabarmatee explained the preparation of organic liquid and solid manure, further strengthening participants’ practical knowledge. The role of Agricultural Universities (AU), Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), Local Natural Farming Institutions (LNFI), and Krishi Sakhis (Krushi Mitras) in promoting Natural Farming was also discussed in detail.

The program concluded with a certificate distribution ceremony and a vote of thanks to all participants, as well as to the State and Central Governments. Special appreciation was extended to the organizing team, including Namita, Kusha, Manoj, Kailash, and Suresh, along with the entire Sambhav staff, for their efforts in making the training a success.

This initiative has equipped government officials with essential knowledge and hands-on experience to facilitate the widespread implementation of Natural Farming in Odisha, promoting sustainable agricultural practices for the future.