Workshop on Integrating Natural Farming into Gram Panchayat Development Plans Held in BBSR

Bhubaneswar: A two-day state-level workshop focusing on incorporating natural farming into Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDP) was organized in Bhubaneswar by the Coalition for Change in Odisha, NCNF Odisha Chapter, and PRADAN. The event aimed to emphasize the role of gram panchayats in fostering sustainable development and natural farming practices at the grassroots level.

The workshop was inaugurated by Jagadananda, Former Information Commissioner and Mentor at CYSD, who highlighted the pivotal role gram panchayats play in village development. He stressed that achieving sustainable village development and promoting natural farming are possible only through the active participation and support of gram panchayats.

Amita Patra, Deputy Director of SIRD & PR, delivered a lecture on the Panchayati Raj system, the GPDP process, and the People’s Plan Campaign. She outlined key areas of focus to enhance the effectiveness of GPDP, urging the integration of sustainable practices like natural farming.

Participants received training on diverse subjects, including the role of women in GPDP, MGNREGS, and E-Gramswaraj. Sessions were conducted by experts such as Jyotirekha Ray Pradhan, Debendra Negi, Uppali Mohanty, Dolagobinda Panda, and Kartik Kumar Das.

Ekadashi Nandi, Former State Seed Certification Officer and NCNF Odisha State Convener, emphasized the importance of natural farming and its inclusion in GPDP as a strategy for sustainable agricultural development.

The workshop brought together over 50 civil society organization (CSO) functionaries representing more than 20 CSOs from across Odisha. Moderated by Dolagobinda Panda and Dr. Md. Imran Ali, the sessions provided a platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration among participants.