Rajasthan's First Organic Panchayat

The Bamanwas Kankar Panchayat in Rajasthan has achieved a significant local milestone in the pursuit of chemical-free and sustainable agriculture. It is the first Panchayat in the state to be fully certified organic.

Rajasthan Panchayat Organic Pledge

• The Bamanwas Kankar Panchayat, comprising seven settlements in the Kotputli-Behror district, has formally committed to adopting 100% organic farming and ecologically safe animal husbandry.
• Under this initiative, the use of any chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and synthetic inputs in agriculture and animal husbandry has been completely eliminated.

Key Features

• Chemical-free farming: All crops will be grown without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.
• Ecological animal husbandry: Animal husbandry will be maintained in accordance with health and environmental standards.
• Community leadership: This change has come about through the Panchayat's collective decisions, not from orders imposed from above.
• Institutional support: COFED (Cofarmin Federation of Organic Societies and Producer Companies) assists with certification, data collection, and market access.
• Market linkage: Organic certification provides farmers with access to premium markets and reduced input costs.

Significance

• Soil and water conservation: Helps improve declining soil quality and groundwater levels
• Farmer welfare: Increases income through reduced input costs and better prices
• Public health: Protects farmers and consumers from harmful chemical products
• Biodiversity: Increases the number of soil microorganisms and beneficial insects

Indeed, this initiative by the Bamanwas Kankar Panchayat is emerging as an inspiring model for chemical-free and sustainable agriculture in Rajasthan.