Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav described the “Prakratik Kheti Ke Nam Ek Chaupal” program as an inspiring initiative. Drawing a parallel, he said just as the importance of the traditional Indian greeting 'Namaskar' was realised post-COVID, the relevance of natural farming is now emerging in the wake of the harmful effects of chemical farming. The Chief Minister made these remarks while addressing the Chaupal in the Name of Natural Farming program at Manas Bhavan, Jabalpur.
CM Dr. Yadav shared his personal experience, stating that he himself had practiced farming without chemical fertilizers. The use of such chemicals increased due to Western influence. With the growing interest in Indian knowledge systems, gaushalas (cow shelters) are being established to promote cow-rearing, which in turn supports natural farming through cow-based products. He emphasised that Madhya Pradesh has immense potential for natural farming and directed the Agriculture Minister to formulate policies to promote it, assuring full support for implementation. He also announced that mandis (agriculture markets) will be equipped with separate systems for the procurement of crops grown through natural and chemical methods, to ensure ease in consumption and trade.
CM Dr. Yadav said the state’s milk production currently stands at 9%, and efforts will be made to raise it to 25%. He criticised the conspiracy to undermine indigenous cow milk by promoting buffalo milk as more profitable. He encouraged people to use and value cow milk. He expressed gratitude and welcomed Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, the keynote speaker, for explaining the concept of natural farming in a simple and relatable manner.
CM Dr. Yadav said that using Jeevamrit (a natural fertilizer made from cow dung) enhances crop yield while also safeguarding soil health.
Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat shared his personal experiences with natural farming. He started with five acres of land and witnessed a qualitative increase in yield from the very first year. He continues to practice and achieve better production through natural farming. He explained the adverse effects of chemical farming and encouraged farmers to adopt natural methods. He also clarified the distinction between organic and natural farming.
He stated that just as forest trees yield abundantly without any fertilizers or irrigation, nature, through its ecosystem, balances everything in its original form, which is not harmful to human health. Natural farming, he stressed, is a blessing for life. The use of chemical fertilizers must be stopped, as they destroy beneficial insects and reduce soil fertility.
Acharya Devvrat praised Minister Rakesh Singh for his initiative in organizing the Chaupal program.
Public Works Minister Shri Rakesh Singh said the Chief Minister’s presence in the program reflects his commitment to farmers. He called natural farming a treasure of knowledge that needs to be understood. Quoting ancient texts like Vrikshayurveda and Brihat Samhita by Sage Parashara, he explained that predictions of rainfall were based on scientific methods even in ancient times. He urged farmers to embrace natural farming for a sustainable future.
The event was attended by Agriculture Minister Shri Aidal Singh Kansana, Jabalpur Mayor Shri Jagat Bahadur Singh Annu, Rajya Sabha MP Smt. Sumitra Valmiki, MP Shri Ashish Dubey, MLAs Shri Ajay Vishnoi, Shri Ashok Rohani, Dr. Abhilash Pandey, Shri Santosh Barkade, Shri Neeraj Singh, District Panchayat Chairperson Smt. Asha Mukesh Gotia, along with a large number of farmers and citizens.
