Scientists deliberate on Future of Sustainable Agriculture

Several engaging sessions on agroecological practices were held during the International Conference on Enabling Sustainable Food Systems through Natural Farming (ESFS-NF) organised by Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni. This event is being held in collaboration with the National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and the Environment (INRAE), France and the Himachal Chapter of the Indian Ecological Society, focusing on advancing sustainable agriculture and natural farming.

During the session on Agroecological Initiatives: Global and Indian Perspectives, Prof. Allison Loconto of INRAE, France, elaborated on the Social Innovation for Sustainable Food System Transformation, stressing the need for stakeholders to focus on incremental changes for effective transformation. Dr. DV Raidu from RySS, Andhra Pradesh, highlighted the Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming model, showcasing its benefits in pest management and cost reduction through the Food Forest model.
 
Dr. Sohan Premi, DGM NABARD discussed the success of NABARD’s Tribal Development Programme, which has reduced migration from 64% to 25% and increased farmer asset ownership, leading to lower costs and higher incomes. Prof. Rajeshwar Singh Chandel, Vice-Chancellor at UHF Nauni, emphasized the need for alternative farming systems in Himachal Pradesh. He talked about the CETARA certification system for natural produce and advocated for incentives to promote natural farming practices.
 
In the session on Natural Resources Management and Climate Resilience Dr. Rajesh Rana from ATARI Zone-I spoke about the National Mission on Sustainable Food Systems which is aimed at promoting nutritional security across India through KVKs. Dr. Ivica Dimkic from the University of Belgrade discussed microbial and organo-mineral solutions in agroecological practices, recommending smart biofertilizers tailored to farmers' needs. Dr. Dilfuza Jabborova from Uzbekistan shared his views on the combined use of biochar and AMF to enhance drought tolerance in crops like soybean and okra. Dr. Baljeet Singh Saharan, HAU, Hisar, emphasized how natural farming can improve soil health and resilience through microorganisms.
 
Kuldeep Singh, Chairman & Managing Director of HIL, outlined the FARM Project’s role in reducing High-Hazard Pesticides (HHPs) and Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), aiming to cover 1 million hectares with natural farming. Dr. Subhash Chander Verma discussed natural pest management, highlighting the benefits of reduced pesticide use.
 
The conference also featured discussions on ecosystem balance, Vedic agricultural principles, and sustainable apple cultivation in Himachal Pradesh. The event explored innovative approaches to sustainable agriculture, emphasizing the importance of natural farming for future food security.