ICAR-MGIFRI, Motihari Organises Training on Natural Farming and PGS-India Certification

The programme brought together 27 participants, including Subject Matter Specialists from Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), Assistant Technology Managers and Block Technology Managers from the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), progressive farmers, JEEViKA representatives and members of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs).

The training was inaugurated by Dr Raghavendra Singh, Director, ICAR-MGIFRI, who emphasised the importance of soil health, efficient resource utilisation, crop diversification and ecological sustainability in building resilient agricultural systems. He highlighted the need for scientific training, practical demonstrations and locally adaptable technologies to promote natural farming, supported by effective extension services and informed management of soil, water and biological resources.

The technical sessions covered key principles and practices of natural farming, including crop diversification, residue mulching, non-chemical weed management, soil organic matter management and biological nutrient cycling. Participants were introduced to the integration of field crops, horticulture and livestock for improved resource utilisation and reduced dependence on external inputs. Special emphasis was placed on the preparation and application of farmer-prepared inputs such as Beejamrit, Jeevamrit and Ghanjeevamrit, along with ecological pest management and crop residue utilisation.

A major focus of the programme was the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS-India) and its role in promoting farmer participation, traceability and certification of eligible production systems. Participants received orientation on certification standards, procedures, peer inspection, documentation requirements, stakeholder responsibilities and web-portal operations. The sessions highlighted the importance of farm records, compliance with prescribed procedures and collective accountability among farmer groups.

The programme also introduced participants to soil carbon management, greenhouse gas emission tracking and Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) in sustainable agricultural systems, underscoring the importance of reliable field-level data and scientific assessment in evaluating environmental outcomes.

Emphasising institutional convergence, the training highlighted the roles of KVKs, ATMA, FPOs, JEEViKA and other community institutions in promoting natural farming through farmer training, field demonstrations, technical guidance and knowledge dissemination. Participants discussed the importance of strengthening collaboration among research institutions, extension agencies and farmer organisations to support wider adoption of locally appropriate practices and improve access to certification-related guidance.

As part of the practical component, participants visited ICAR-MGIFRI’s research facilities, including the institute pond and vermicomposting unit. The exposure visit provided insights into organic waste management, on-farm resource recycling and the integration of complementary farming enterprises.

The programme combined technical sessions, interactive discussions, certification orientation and field exposure to strengthen participants’ understanding of natural farming and PGS-India certification. Through this initiative, ICAR-MGIFRI reaffirmed its commitment to promoting sustainable agricultural practices, improving soil health, enhancing resource-use efficiency and strengthening the capacity of stakeholders to advance natural farming across Bihar and adjoining regions.

(Source: ICAR–Mahatma Gandhi Integrated Farming Research Institute, Motihari, Bihar)