Introduce UG, PG, research courses in natural farming: ICAR to universities

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Director General M.L. Jat has written a letter to the Vice-Chancellors of all State and Central agriculture universities, as well as universities with agriculture departments, urging them to launch undergraduate and postgraduate courses and research programmes in natural farming.

Though natural farming was already offered as an elective subject in various institutions and four universities had dedicated courses on the subject, it is the first time that the ICAR has urged all affiliated colleges and state government institutions to introduce courses on the topic.

In the letter, Dr. Jat said natural farming has emerged as a subject of national importance, aligned with India’s strategic priorities for sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship, and farmer welfare. He said B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture – Natural Farming programme, developed as per the Sixth Deans’ Committee recommendations and National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 guidelines, has already been finalised, approved, and circulated to all Agricultural Universities. “Some universities have successfully initiated this programme from the academic year 2023-24, marking a transformative milestone in agricultural higher education. I hope, remaining universities will introduce this course by next academic year,” Dr. Jat said.

On strengthening postgraduate education and advanced research on the subject, he said that given the expanding national demand for chemical-free food systems, resilient agro-ecosystems, soil health restoration, and low-emission farming, it is imperative that the State Agricultural Universities, Deemed Universities and Central Agricultural Universities develop robust PG programmes (M.Sc. and Ph.D.) in natural farming and allied domains. “ICAR will extend all possible academic and technical support in curriculum refinement, guidelines, and resource materials. The collective efforts of our Agricultural Universities will play a pivotal role in preparing a new generation of scientists, extension professionals and entrepreneurs who can lead India’s transition towards ecologically harmonious and economically viable farming systems,” he stated in the letter.