MoRD & MoA&FW initiated Krishi Sakhis train for Natural Farming

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Krishi Sakhis training

In a collaborative effort, the Ministry of Rural Development and the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare have jointly initiated the training of Krishi Sakhis under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana- National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY–NRLM). This joint venture is geared towards promoting Natural Farming, aiming to train and certify 50,000 Krishi Sakhis in a phased manner through the National Centre for Organic and Natural Farming (NCONF), a subordinate office of the MoA&FW acting as the Nodal institution.

Structured Training and Certification Process

The training, spanning five days, incorporates modules crafted by NCONF, sent to the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE) for a comprehensive review. This collaboration ensures a standardized and thorough training program for Krishi Sakhis, placing a strong emphasis on the importance of Natural Farming practices.

Empowering Community Resource Persons

Shri Charanjit Singh, Additional Secretary, Rural Livelihoods, underscored the pivotal role of Community Resource Persons in steering social and economic transformations in rural areas. He extended congratulations on the cooperative efforts between the ministries and stressed the significance of natural farming in realizing the vision of “Samrudhhi villages” and creating Lakpathi SHG members.

Facilitating Technology Transfer through Community Engagement

Ms. Smriti Sharan, Joint Secretary, Rural Livelihoods, emphasized the critical role of transferring technology from laboratories to fields. Community Resource Persons (CRPs) emerge as key facilitators in this process, enabling small and marginal farmers to enhance productivity through Natural Farming practices.

Coordinated National Development Efforts

Ms. Swati Sharma, Joint Secretary, Rural Livelihoods, highlighted the coordinated efforts by the ministries in promoting Natural Farming. She emphasized the role of this initiative in achieving the Prime Minister’s vision of enabling two crore Lakhpati Didis, as outlined in his address from the Red Fort.

Women’s Empowerment and Contributions

Ms. Yogita Rana, Joint Secretary, Integrated Nutrient Management (INM), MoA&FW, drew attention to the significant contribution of women towards nation-building. She stressed the importance of empowering Krishi Sakhis through capacity building to ensure the widespread reach of Natural Farming to farmers.

Strengthening Economic Status Through Convergence

To bolster the economic status of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and the Ministry of Rural Development have decided to converge their various schemes. An MoU signed on August 30, 2023, between MoA&FW and DAY – NRLM, MoRD, aims to certify Krishi Sakhis as Para-Extension Workers by MANAGE, MoA&FW. This strategic convergence ensures a unified approach to promote and support Natural Farming at the grassroots level, contributing to the overall development of rural communities.

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