At the Smartfarming discussion in Patiala.
Scientists, farmers, development professionals and students
participated in the discussion and concluded that cutting the usage
of agrochemicals and nourishing soil through ecological farming1 is
the only way to save Agriculture in Punjab, which is at the verge
of a crash down due to resource degradation. Scientific studies and
field experiences were discussed by the group. All pointed towards
the need to shift to good ecological practices. The experts also
emphasized on the need for Government support and research
investment to catalyze this shift.
"Punjab is heading towards an ecological disaster due to
indiscriminate use of agrochemicals such as fertilizers and
pesticides. The degraded soils in the state pose a big threat to
food security and can cause serious economic implications not only
for the state but also for the country. Urgent steps are needed to
avert a big disaster", said Prof. Sucha Singh Gill, Prof. of
Economics and Dean (Research), Punjabi University who moderated the
discussion.
"The chemical Nitrogenous fertilizers usage in Punjab has
increased to over 200 kg/acre from a mere 5kg/ acre at the start of
Green Revolution. Application of chemical fertilizers has made the
soil sick. There is hardly any life in the soil now. There is no
microbial activity and the productivity has gone down drastically",
said Mr Umendra Dutt, Executive Director, Kheti Virasat Mission
(KVM) who delivered the key note address. "The allocation for
chemical fertilizer subsidies has shown a steady increase and will
soon match the allocation for defense forces in the country. The
Government should realize that this is a counter-productive
investment", he added
Smart farming brings together scientific wisdom and on-ground
experiences to a common platform through online discussions and
offline events. It has an online presence at www.smartfarming.org
"International scientific community already realized the need to
shift to ecological farming. IAASTD2, the UN- World Bank report
endorsed by 58 countries including India in April 2008 talks about
a paradigm shift from the present mode of agriculture. The G-8
Agriculture Ministers' Meeting3 held in Italy from 18 to 20 April
2009 also recognized the importance of ecological farming. But to
bring changes on the ground a multi-stakeholder approach and broad
ended discussions are needed. Smart farming is an initiative to
facilitate this change", said Gopikrishna SR, Sustainable
Agriculture Campaigner, Greenpeace India
Prof. Inderjit Singh (Department of Economics, Punjabi
University, Patiala), Prof. Sukhwinder Singh (Department of
Economics, Punjabi University, Patiala), Dr BS Joia (Senior
Entomologist (retd), Department of Entomology, PAU, Ludhiana), Dr
Balwinder Singh Butahri (Former Divisional Soil Conservation
Officer, Punjab), Dr. G.S. Romana (Extension Specialist, PAU), Mr
Subhash Sharma (Ph. D. Student),Mr. Gurpreet Singh (M. Phil.
Student),Mr. Vinod Jyani (Farmer) and Mr. Jarnail Singh Mazi
(Farmer) participated in the panel discussion.
For further information, contact
Dr Sukhwinder Singh, Professor of Economics, Punjabi University, Patiala
Mob: +91 9872220571
Gopikrishna SR – Sustainable Agriculture Campaigner, Greenpeace India
Mob: +91 9900897341
Stella Paul- Greenpeace India Communications
Mob: +91 9845068125
Notes to Editor
(1) Ecological Farming ensures healthy farming and healthy food for today and tomorrow, by protecting soil, water and climate, promotes biodiversity, and does not contaminate the environment with chemical inputs or genetic engineering
(2) The International Assessment of Agricultural Science and Technology for Development (IAASTD) is a unique collaboration initiated by the World Bank in partnership with a multi-stakeholder group of organisations, including the UN. The IAASTD's key objective is to provide information for decision makers on how to structure agricultural research and development so it can help to reduce hunger and poverty, improve rural livelihood and foster sustainable development. The report was compiled by over 400 of the world's leading agricultural scientists, selected by all participating governments, companies and NGOs. It is the most comprehensive account of agricultural knowledge, science and technology. It provides guidance for governments, UN agencies and funding institutions for their future priority setting in agriculture and development.
Link to IAASTD report:
http://www.agassessment.org
(4) G-8 Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting Declaration:
http://www.g8agricultureministersmeeting.mipaaf.com/en/index.php?pL1=news&newsId;=8895ca36c193f25a5c2a63beb291a259