Solan: A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for promotion of natural farming practices in India was signed between Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (UHF), Nauni and Hindustan Insecticides Limited (HIL). This collaboration is a paradigm shift for HIL, a company rooted in the production of agrochemicals, seeds, and water-soluble fertilizers, as it joins forces with UHF to pave the way for decreased reliance on chemicals in agriculture.

This initiative is part of the Fostering Agrochemical Reduction & Management (FARM) initiative, under the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Regional Child Project. FARM intends to convert 1.5 million hectares of farmland away from chemical-intensive farming towards organic and natural approaches, in the process protecting 1.5 million people from exposure to harmful pesticides.

The MOU was signed by UHF VC Prof. RS Chandel and HIL CMD Kuldeep Singh. Prof Chandel praised the tie-up to be historic, while adding that the university has been a leader in natural farming and agroecology. The collaboration would be work to dramatically reduce chemical use in agriculture and develop pilot model for the country as a whole, he added.

The FARM initiative is a campaign to encourage and promote safer alternatives for chemical pesticides and solutions for control, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques integrated into cropping and farming systems. The participation of HIL marks the first time that a public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers has angled to promote agricultural solutions that are environmentally friendly.

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The role of UHF Nauni in promoting natural farming is well documented. The university is a core member of the European Union-funded ACROPICS consortium, tasked with pioneering new forms of agroecological crop protection to significantly cut pesticide usage. It is also recognised as one of seven Centres of Natural Farming (CoNF) — a scheme of the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) — under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ welfare.

Referring to the similar objectives of the ACROPICS and FARM projects to both minimize pesticide utilization and promote sustainable agricultural practices, Prof. Chandel has highlighted the establishment of a synergy between both projects.

The Global FARM Project across seven countries, including India, is working to establish these regulatory and financial frameworks to detoxify agriculture. It seeks to eliminate bad inputs, reduce agricultural carbon emissions and create resilient farming communities. In Asia, the effort targets India and the Philippines, encouraging sustainable substitutes for dangerous chemical pesticides.

The collaboration between UHF and HIL is believed to be a major breakthrough for the transformation of Indian agriculture, where the farmers will now have a roadmap towards sustainable and eco-friendly agriculture.

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