**Executive Summary**
On June 27, 2026, Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ram Nath Thakur, visited AI-driven agriculture facilities at KVK Baramati to address a farmers' meet under the ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan.’ The visit focused on urging farmers to transition from chemical fertilizers to natural farming to improve soil health and ensure sustainable agricultural growth. Key actions included the review of AI-based crop management models and the distribution of Soil Health Cards to local farmers.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Promotion of Natural Farming**
* Advocated for the adoption of natural farming to restore soil fertility, protect public health, and ensure environmental sustainability.
* Highlighted that natural farming produces safer, more nutritious food and enhances crop productivity over the long term.
* Noted that the Government of India has launched multiple initiatives to encourage natural farming practices nationwide to address declining soil quality.
* **Technological and Organic Innovations**
* Inspected AI-based models developed for sugarcane and banana cultivation at the AI Centre established in collaboration with Microsoft.
* Reviewed the use of digital technologies intended to improve farm productivity and overall crop management.
* Evaluated the preparation and application of "Jeevamrut," an organic formulation developed by KVK Baramati to support sustainable agriculture.
* **Recognition and Support Measures**
* Distributed Soil Health Cards to farmers to assist in monitoring and improving land quality.
* Felicitation of progressive farmers who have successfully implemented innovative natural farming techniques.
* Encouraged the farming community to learn from the experiences of successful peers to promote eco-friendly practices.
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholder: Farmers**
**Impact**
Farmers are encouraged to shift away from chemical-intensive methods toward sustainable natural farming, which is expected to improve their soil health and food quality.
**Action Required**
Adopt natural farming practices, utilize Soil Health Cards for better land management, and engage with progressive farmers to learn innovative techniques.
**Stakeholder: KVK Baramati and Agricultural Scientists**
**Impact**
The institution received ministerial recognition for its efforts in developing AI models and organic solutions like Jeevamrut.
**Action Required**
Continue the development and promotion of eco-friendly farming practices and digital tools for crop management.
**Stakeholder: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare**
**Impact**
The visit reinforces the government's commitment to sustainable agricultural growth and the integration of AI in the farming sector.
**Action Required**
Provide continued support for national initiatives that encourage natural farming and the expansion of digital agricultural facilities.
Key Entities Referenced
Ram Nath Thakur: Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare who led the visit to promote natural farming and distribute agricultural resources.
KVK Baramati (Krishi Vigyan Kendra): The agricultural science center that hosted the event, demonstrating AI-based crop models and organic farming formulations like Jeevamrut.
Khet Bachao Abhiyan: The specific campaign under which the farmers' meet was organized to encourage the reduction of chemical fertilizers.
Soil Health Card: A national scheme involving the distribution of reports to farmers to help them monitor and improve soil fertility.
Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare: The nodal ministry overseeing the transition toward natural farming and the integration of digital technologies in agriculture.
Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
Union Minister of State for Agriculture and
Farmers Welfare Ram Nath Thakur Visits AI-
Driven Agriculture Facilities at KVK Baramati
Farmers should stress on natural farming instead of chemical
fertilisers for better soil health – Union Minister of State Ram
Nath Thakur
प्रव तथ: 27 JUN 2026 4:47PM by PIB Mumbai
Baramati, June 27, 2026,
Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ram Nath Thakur,
stressed the importance of adopting natural farming to improve soil health, protect
public health, and ensure sustainable agricultural growth. Addressing a farmers'
meet organised under the ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ at Baramati, he urged farmers to
reduce the use of chemical fertilisers and adopt natural farming practices.
The programme was jointly organised by the Department of Agriculture, Krishi
Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Baramati, and ICAR-ATARI, Pune.
On this occasion, Dr. S. K. Roy, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Pune; Shri Sunil Boarkar,
Director, ATMA, Maharashtra; Dr. Sammi Reddy, Director, NIASM, Baramati; Dr. G.K. Sasane, Director of Extension Education, MPKV, Rahuri; Dr. N. P. Singh and Dr.
Ajay Upadhya from the Directorate of Marketing and Inspection, Ministry of
Agriculture; and Shri Ranjit Pawar, Trustee, KVK Baramati, were present.
During his visit to KVK Baramati, the Minister toured advanced agricultural facilities
where scientists demonstrated Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based models developed
for sugarcane and banana cultivation. He also visited the AI Centre established in
collaboration with Microsoft and reviewed the use of digital technologies for
improving farm productivity and crop management.
The Minister also inspected the preparation and application of Jeevamrut, an organic
formulation developed and promoted by KVK Baramati to support natural farming.
He appreciated the efforts of KVK scientists in promoting sustainable and eco-
friendly farming practices.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Ram Nath Thakur expressed concern over the
declining quality of soil due to excessive use of chemical fertilisers. He said that the
Government of India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi,
has launched several initiatives to encourage natural farming across the country.Farmers should stress on natural farming instead of chemical fertilisers for better
soil health. Natural farming improves soil fertility, enhances crop productivity over
time, and helps produce safe and nutritious food, the Minister said. He appealed to
farmers to adopt natural farming practices for the benefit of future generations and
environmental sustainability.On the occasion, Shri Ram Nath Thakur distributed Soil Health Cards to farmers and
felicitated progressive farmers who have successfully adopted innovative natural
farming techniques. He appreciated their contribution towards promoting
sustainable agriculture and encouraged other farmers to learn from their
experiences.
The event was attended by senior officials, scientists, and representatives from
leading agricultural institutions.
***
Harshal Akude/Parshuram Kor
Follow us on social media: @PIBMumbai /PIBMumbai /pibmumbai pibmumbai[at]gmail[dot]com /PI
BMumbai /pibmumbai
(रलीज़ आईडी: 2278419) आगंतुक पटल : 132
इस वज्ञ को इन भाषाओ ंम पढ़: Marathi