Prime Minister Modi issues serious warning against use of chemicals in farming

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has issued an extremely serious warning against the use of chemicals in agriculture at the 'Kisan Tak Bharat Agriculture Conference' organised by India Today Group at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. According to an India Today report, the Prime Minister stated that Mother Earth is being destroyed due to the excessive use of chemicals in farming and called upon farmers to adopt chemical-free farming.

During this conference, the Prime Minister explained the clear distinction between organic farming and natural farming. He emphasised that he is not advocating for organic farming, but for natural farming. Addressing the Earth as Mother, the Prime Minister said, "The way we are using chemicals, we are destroying Mother Earth. We are her children and we are killing our own mother right before our eyes." He warned that if agricultural land is not protected from the damage caused by chemicals, it could lead to serious consequences for future generations.

At least 2,000 farmers, agricultural scientists, and industry representatives were present in large numbers at this two-day conference held at Bharat Mandapam. The Prime Minister also mentioned the major financial efforts made by the government to protect farmers from the rising cost of fertilisers. He stated that despite disruptions in the global supply chain due to the ongoing war in the Middle East, the Central Government has provided subsidies by spending ₹16 lakh crore over the last 12 years to ensure that farmers receive fertilisers at affordable rates. Through this subsidy, farmers have been protected from rising input costs.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of technology in agriculture. He spoke about technologies that can help farmers determine with precision exactly how much and what type of fertiliser their land actually requires. Additionally, he spoke about the increasing use of solar energy. According to the Prime Minister, due to solar energy, India's farmers are now becoming not just food providers, but also energy providers.

The Prime Minister's warning comes at a time when the Central Government has taken significant steps to prohibit the use of an extremely toxic pesticide named Paraquat. According to an India Today report, on 14 July, the Ministry of Agriculture proposed a draft notification to impose a nationwide ban on Paraquat. This chemical is already banned in more than 70 countries. Concerns have been expressed for years regarding the misuse of this chemical in agriculture, the poisoning it causes, and the serious health risks involved.

In the concluding part of his address, the Prime Minister gave a very emotional and serious warning to the farmers. Addressing the Earth as 'Mother', he asked the farmers to think about two main things: the food provider and Mother Earth. He questioned, "Are we protecting Mother Earth?" He further added, "If we do not wake up in time and make efforts to save Mother Earth, a situation may arise where she leaves us right before our eyes." The Prime Minister appealed to the farmers to think seriously about this matter and turn towards natural farming.