
Fri Nov 21 17:56:06 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the provided text:
Summary:
The South India Natural Farming Summit in Coimbatore concluded with a call for greater integration of natural farming practices into India’s National Mission on Natural Farming. Stakeholders emphasized the need for training programs, model farms in every district, support for organic certification, and financial incentives for natural input production. Resolutions also included livestock integration, village vegetable self-sufficiency programs, promotion of native seeds, Miyawaki forests, groundwater recharge, women-centric schemes, a national organic seed production network, and the establishment of a Nammalvar National University for Natural Farming. The summit also highlighted the need for a National Natural Farming Board/Council, a dedicated National Natural Farming Day, and regulations for gene-edited crops.
News Article:
South India Natural Farming Summit Calls for Integrated National Strategy
COIMBATORE, November 21, 2025 – The South India Natural Farming Summit, held at the CODISSIA Complex in Coimbatore, concluded today with a strong call to action for integrating natural farming practices into the core of India’s agricultural policy. Organizers are urging the government to strengthen the National Mission on Natural Farming with comprehensive support for farmers adopting eco-friendly methods.
A memorandum presented to Prime Minister Modi emphasized the need for widespread training programs through Krishi Vigyan Kendras, agricultural universities, and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). Key recommendations include establishing model natural farming clusters in every district to demonstrate the benefits of improved soil structure, reduced chemical dependency, and stable yields.
“The time for a holistic approach to agriculture is now,” said A.P. Karuppiah, summit convenor. “We must support farmers with the knowledge, resources, and market access they need to transition to sustainable and chemical-free methods.”
The summit also highlighted the importance of livestock integration for soil rejuvenation, village-level vegetable self-sufficiency programs, the promotion of native seeds and seedlings, and the establishment of Miyawaki forests. Several resolutions called for women-centric initiatives, a national organic seed production network led by FPOs, and the creation of a Nammalvar National University for Natural Farming, named after the pioneer of ecological agriculture.
Attendees stressed the need for financial incentives for natural input production units, composting infrastructure, and community resource centers. Further resolutions included a special insurance scheme for native cattle breeds, the establishment of a National Natural Farming Board/Council, a dedicated National Natural Farming Day (proposed as April 6th), and a National Biofertilizer and Bio-Pesticide Production Incentive Scheme.
Importantly, the summit addressed concerns about gene-edited and genetically modified crops, calling for urgent regulation and biosafety testing.
Stakeholders believe that by embracing natural farming practices, India can improve soil health, promote biodiversity, reduce health risks associated with chemical residues, expand organic markets, and achieve long-term food security. The summit’s comprehensive recommendations aim to pave the way for a sustainable and chemical-free agricultural future for India.