NGO’s have to come forward to promote organic farming, the agriculture minister said on Monday at Birsa Agriculture University, Ranchi.

Randhir Kumar Singh, Minister for Agriculture & Sugarcane Development, Animal Husbandry & Fisheries, Ranchi emphasized that systematic irrigation system needs to be made available in the farming sector. Special focus will be given to various irrigation infrastructure based on the topography of the village said the minister.

Bank loans will be provided to the farmers so that farmers could adopt new technology and become self-reliant.

He was addressing the farmers from 10 districts of Jharkhand during the farmers learning exchange programme organized by Caritas India on November 21, 2016 at Birsa Agriculture University, Ranchi. He also appreciated Caritas India’s initiative in the field of organic farming, low cost farming and promotion of seed banks.

He lauded Caritas India for reaching to the geographically challenged areas with farmers friendly initiatives organized for smallholders and the most marginalized sections of the community through strengthening village level community institutions.

The learning exchange programme aimed to establish better linkages and networking between farmers and relevant institutions, research stations and State Governments.

The agriculture minister also said that farmer’s self-sufficiency can be achieved by balancing the environment and promoting organic farming through improved quality production.

Minister assured farmers that in the next financial year 6500 Dhoba’s (5% farm pond for irrigation) will be constructed throughout Jharkhand.

“Organisation is working for the livelihood of Smallholder and marginalized framers, landless, widows and single women headed family along with promotion of organic farming” informed Pradipta Chand, Zonal Thematic Officer of Caritas India.

Dean of Birsa Agriculture University (BAU), Raghav Thakur informed minister about the good work carried out by Caritas India for the upliftment of stallholders since last 5 years. Caritas India is one of the leading organisation which ensured 1500 soil health card to the farmers from the BAU which helped in taking informed decision about the soil management.