Lucknow: March 1, 2025
The Uttar Pradesh government has allocated ₹270 crore to promote natural farming across the state, with a focus not only on the Ganga River but also along other riverbanks. The initiative is part of the broader push for natural farming and the “Khet Talab” scheme, which has received a green light from the Cabinet with a funding approval of ₹1,191 crore.
The natural farming program will cover a five-kilometer radius along the rivers, with plans to create 1,886 clusters. The government has also set aside ₹124 crore under the National Mission on Natural Farming to further promote this initiative.
By avoiding the use of chemical fertilizers and harmful pesticides, natural farming is expected to reduce pollution in the rivers. The use of organic products for crop production and preservation will prevent harmful chemicals from leaching into the water bodies, protecting the ecosystem.
The Namami Gange scheme is already promoting chemical-free farming in 27 districts along the Ganga. Over 1,000 villages are currently practicing natural farming under this initiative, and 54 districts are running traditional agricultural development programs.
In total, around 18,000 farmers across nearly 5,000 clusters are working on 10,000 hectares of land for natural farming. Approximately 6,500 hectares are involved in the Namami Gange initiative. The government aims to make Bundelkhand, which faces challenges with stray cattle, a hub for natural farming in Uttar Pradesh.
The Indo-Gangetic plain, known for its fertile soil, is also a prime area for organic farming. The region’s potential for organic agriculture has been recognized, leading to expanded efforts to make organic farming the norm along the Ganga Riverbanks.
