Sir,
The condition of farmers in the State is worsening due to Government policies which are more erratic than the climate. We cannot distance ourselves from neither degradation of environment nor from inefficient policies to mitigate them.
However, the article ”Empowering hilly areas farmers of J&K” published in this paper, a couple of days ago recommends organic farming as panacea of problems faced by farmers. It’s beyond any doubt and reason that organic farming has immense potential for improving not only our environment but also provinding better chemical free fruits, meat, grains and vegetables. But mere pushing organic farming may not be able to change the conditions of farmers until and unless major investment by Government is not facilitated in provinding quality of seeds, logistics, infrastructure and storage facilities.
Organic farming is in itself capital intenstive and requires relatively more care which economically makes it unviable. Therefore, the idea of organic farming as an answer to all of the farmer’s problems is misplaced.
The State Government should incentivise farmers for using organic feeds and fertilisers, provide awareness and technical skills required for organic farming and efficiently regulate the banning of chemicals and fertilisers. Until and unless there is a better conditions for farmers we cannot expect organic farming to go mainstream.
Yours etc..
Bhumesh Bharti
Jammu
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