Concept Note: Promoting Chemical-Free Farming for Sustainable Agriculture in Uttarakhand

Introduction:

Uttarakhand, renowned for its picturesque landscapes and rich agricultural heritage, is committed to
fostering sustainable agricultural practices that ensure environmental conservation, promote public
health, and support the livelihoods of farming communities. This concept note articulates a
comprehensive strategy to achieve the ambitious goal of transitioning 3 lakh acres of farmland in
Uttarakhand to chemical-free farming, with a focus on promoting Natural Farming practices certified
by Certified Naturally Grown (CNG).

Background:

Agriculture forms the backbone of Uttarakhand's economy, with a majority of the population
engaged in farming activities. However, the rampant use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and other
agrochemicals has led to adverse effects on soil health, water quality, and biodiversity. Recognizing
the urgent need to address these challenges, the state government is committed to promoting
sustainable agricultural practices that mitigate environmental degradation and promote the well-
being of both farmers and consumers.

Description:

The primary objective of this initiative is to transition 3 lakh acres of farmland in Uttarakhand to
chemical-free farming, thereby reducing the dependency on synthetic inputs and promoting
ecologically sound agricultural practices. The transition process will be structured as a movement
from various levels, each representing a stage of adoption of chemical-free practices. For instance, if
a land parcel moves from Level 1 to Level 2, it will be deducted from Level 1. Chemical-free farming
will encompass practices certified by CNG, ensuring adherence to stringent standards of natural
farming.

Thematic Areas of Focus:

1. Organic Farming (Certified):

All levels of land parcels will be considered for certification under organic farming standards. This
certification will entail a rigorous evaluation process to ensure compliance with organic farming
principles, including the absence of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and genetically modified
organisms (GMOs).

2. IndGAP Certification:

Farmers will be encouraged to obtain IndGAP certification, which signifies adherence to Good
Agricultural Practices (GAPs) aimed at ensuring food safety, environmental sustainability, and social
responsibility. IndGAP certification will not only enhance the marketability of agricultural produce
but also promote sustainable farming practices.

3. Self-Declaration with Proper Evidence:

Farmers will have the option to self-declare their adherence to chemical-free farming practices,
supported by evidence demonstrating compliance with prescribed standards. This self-declaration
mechanism will empower farmers to take ownership of their farming practices while promoting
transparency and accountability in the agricultural sector.

Definition:

The goal of promoting chemical-free farming in Uttarakhand is aligned with broader objectives of
sustainable development, including the conservation of natural resources, biodiversity, and public
health. Chemical-free farming entails the elimination of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and other
agrochemicals from the farming process, thereby minimizing environmental pollution and protecting
ecosystem integrity. Organic farming practices will be certified by recognized authorities, ensuring
the absence of residual chemicals in agricultural produce intended for consumption.

Implementation Strategy:

1. Awareness Campaigns:

Conduct extensive awareness campaigns at the grassroots level to educate farmers about the
benefits of chemical-free farming and the certification process. These campaigns will leverage
various communication channels, including workshops, training programs, and information
materials, to reach a wide audience of farmers across the state.

2. Capacity Building:

Provide training and capacity-building programs to equip farmers with the knowledge and skills
required for natural farming practices. These capacity-building initiatives will cover a range of topics,
including soil health management, pest and disease management, crop rotation, and organic
fertilization techniques, to empower farmers to adopt sustainable farming practices.

3. Incentive Mechanisms:

Offer incentives such as subsidies, grants, and market support to incentivize farmers to transition to
chemical-free farming. These incentive mechanisms will help offset the initial costs associated with
adopting organic farming practices and provide farmers with the necessary support to make the
transition successfully.
4. Collaboration and Partnerships:

Forge partnerships with agricultural research institutions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs),

and private sector entities to facilitate the adoption of chemical-free farming practices. These
partnerships will leverage the expertise and resources of various stakeholders to promote
knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and innovation in the agricultural sector.

5. Monitoring and Evaluation:

Establish a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to track the progress of the transition to
chemical-free farming and address any challenges encountered during implementation. This
monitoring and evaluation system will involve regular assessments of key performance indicators,
including the adoption rate of chemical-free farming practices, the extent of farmland under
certification, and the impact on environmental and socio-economic outcomes.

Conclusion:

Promoting chemical-free farming in Uttarakhand is imperative for ensuring the long-term

sustainability of the agricultural sector and safeguarding the environment, public health, and
livelihoods of farming communities. By adopting a holistic approach encompassing awareness-
building, capacity-building, incentive mechanisms, collaboration, and monitoring, Uttarakhand can
emerge as a model for sustainable agriculture, setting an example for other regions to follow.