Dehradun, December 4: Rajya Sabha MP and Uttarakhand BJP President Mahendra Bhatt brought critical issues surrounding organic farming and Ayurveda to the forefront during the Winter Session of Parliament. Highlighting the progress and challenges in implementing central schemes in these sectors, Bhatt underscored their significance for Uttarakhand's sustainable development and health infrastructure.
Organic Farming Gets a Boost
During an unstarred question (No. 491), Bhatt sought details from the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare regarding policies promoting traditional farming methods. In response, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Ram Nath Thakur outlined the government’s efforts under the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and its subsidiary Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati (BPKP).
Thakur revealed that the BPKP scheme was upgraded to the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) on November 25, 2024, with an ambitious target of covering 7.5 lakh hectares across 15,000 gram panchayats and benefiting 1 crore farmers over the next two years. The mission emphasizes chemical-free farming, integrated livestock systems, and diverse cropping practices.
For Uttarakhand, 551.23 crore rupees have been allocated since 2015-16 under PKVY, covering 1.41 lakh hectares and benefitting over 3 lakh farmers across 7,037 clusters. Farmers engaged in organic farming are receiving financial assistance of ₹31,500 per hectare over three years, with direct benefit transfers for organic inputs. The program also supports capacity-building, certification, marketing, and value addition.
Ayurveda and AYUSH Advancements
In another unstarred question (No. 804), Bhatt sought details on initiatives to promote Ayurveda in Uttarakhand. Responding on behalf of the Ministry of AYUSH, Minister of State (Independent Charge) Prataprao Jadhav outlined the steps taken under the National AYUSH Mission (NAM).
The NAM has supported efforts such as upgrading existing AYUSH dispensaries and hospitals, establishing AYUSH facilities in health centers, and ensuring essential medicine supplies to AYUSH institutions. In Uttarakhand alone, ₹149.49 crore has been disbursed since 2014-15 to enhance facilities, construct new AYUSH buildings, and establish integrated AYUSH hospitals with capacities ranging from 10 to 50 beds.
These initiatives aim to strengthen the availability of Ayurveda and other AYUSH treatments, particularly in rural areas where access to conventional healthcare remains limited.
A Holistic Approach to Development
Bhatt expressed his satisfaction with the progress but stressed the need for continued support to traditional agriculture and Ayurveda. “These initiatives are pivotal for Uttarakhand’s growth. Natural farming not only benefits farmers economically but also preserves our environment. Similarly, promoting Ayurveda aligns with our rich heritage and ensures holistic healthcare for the masses,” he said.
The MP’s emphasis on these central schemes reflects the growing recognition of traditional knowledge systems and sustainable practices as essential pillars of India’s development agenda.
