NSC 2024: Organic farming systems can unlock greater sustainability and climate resilience for India’s food systems

Varanasi, India, 30 November 2024 – At the 13th National Seed Congress (NSC 2024), a transformative plenary session illuminated the critical role of natural and organic farming systems in creating a resilient and sustainable agricultural future. The session brought together experts, farmers, and thought leaders to discuss the opportunities and strategies that can drive India’s agricultural sector toward greater sustainability. The message was clear: organic farming holds the key to a thriving agricultural landscape, one that can withstand the challenges of climate change and ensure long-term food security.

Moderated by Dr. Ajay K. Mishra, Associate Scientist at IRRI, the session featured a distinguished panel of speakers, including Prof. Janardan Singh, Head of the Department of Organic Agriculture & Natural Farming at CSKHPKV, Palampur; Dr. Gagnesh Sharma, Director of the National Centre for Organic and Natural Farming; Sh. C. P. Srivastava, Former Deputy Director at GoUP; Ms. Nikki Pilania Chaudhary, Founder of Mango Dairies; and Shri Chandra Shekhar Singh (Padma Shri), Founder of Vasundhara Naturals. Together, they shared their collective insights on the transformative potential of organic farming systems for a sustainable future.

The conversation centered on how organic farming, with its focus on biodiversity, soil health, and sustainable practices, can be scaled up across the country. At the heart of the discussion was the importance of making organic farming accessible, economically viable, and scientifically grounded.

One of the key recommendations for advancing organic practices was the need to improve accessibility to organic inputs. Affordable, ready-to-use bio-fertilizers, bio-pesticides, and bio-fungicides are essential to ensuring that organic farming can deliver consistent yields while reducing the reliance on chemical inputs. These organic solutions are not just a tool for farmers—they are a vital step in transitioning to sustainable agricultural practices that protect both the environment and human health….