Push for organic farming in 37 districts

GOING GREEN

- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @Chennai

A slew of measures will be implemented to promote natural or organic farming in the state, including establishment of natural farming clusters, marketing organic and natural farming products, full subsidy to organic farmers for pesticide residue testing, exemption from certification fee for organic farming certification, and setting up quality control laboratories at four places.

Presenting the exclusive budget for agriculture in the Assembly, Agriculture Minister MRK Panneerselvam said several activities will be carried out in 37 districts to promote organic farming by allocating ₹12 crore. The National Mission on Natural Farming will be implemented as a two-year programme to establish natural farming clusters with interested farmers, benefiting 7,500 farmers.