Lucknow: The Krishak Samridhi Aayog (Farmers’ Prosperity Commission), a high-level advisory body chaired by chief minister Yogi Adityanath, has recommended expanding infrastructure for organic manure production in Uttar Pradesh, amid rising fertiliser costs and growing concerns over soil degradation.The recommendations, recently submitted to the agriculture department, mark a shift in the state’s approach to sustainable agriculture. Rather than focusing solely on promoting organic farming, the commission has identified the inadequate availability of quality organic inputs as a key bottleneck to large-scale adoption.Officials said the panel’s emphasis is on creating the infrastructure needed to support organic and natural farming. Despite growing interest in sustainable cultivation methods, adoption remained limited due to poor access to organic manure, inadequate technical support and weak supply chains.“The focus is on creating a support structure rather than merely encouraging farmers to change cultivation practices,” a senior agriculture department official said. “Sustainable farming models cannot expand unless farmers have reliable access to affordable organic inputs.”The commission, set up in 2017, advises the state govt on agricultural reforms, procurement policies, farm debt reduction and measures to enhance farmers’ incomes. Its latest proposals indicate a growing policy focus on sustainability and resource efficiency in agricultural planning.Sources said the panel also sought greater technical and resource support for farmers adopting natural farming practices. Such assistance is expected to help reduce cultivation costs and improve farm incomes, particularly for small and marginal farmers who constitute the majority of the state’s agricultural workforce.Members of the commission, representing various districts, have proposed a broader package of reforms beyond organic manure production. These include promotion of model farming practices, scientific utilisation of cattle dung, improvement of soil fertility, expansion of irrigation and storage facilities, encouragement of livestock-based agriculture, integrated farming systems, crop diversification and food processing. The recommendation on cattle dung assumes significance in a state with one of the country’s largest livestock populations.
