Rajasthan has achieved an important milestone in sustainable agriculture. Bamanwas Kankar Panchayat has officially become the first fully organic village body in the state, covering seven hamlets. The achievement highlights India’s growing focus on chemical-free farming, environmental protection, and farmer-friendly agricultural practices. The move strengthens rural livelihoods while promoting healthier food systems and long-term soil sustainability.
Why in News?
Bamanwas Kankar Panchayat in Rajasthan has been declared the state’s first fully organic village body, with all agricultural activities across its seven hamlets following organic farming practices.
What Makes Bamanwas Kankar Special?
- The recognition of Bamanwas Kankar Panchayat as fully organic means that farmers have completely stopped using chemical fertilizers, synthetic pesticides, and genetically modified inputs. Instead, they rely on natural manure, compost, crop rotation, and biological pest control.
- This collective shift required strong community participation, training, and monitoring.
- The transformation is significant for Rajasthan, a state often associated with arid conditions, showing that sustainable farming is possible even in challenging agro-climatic zones.
Understanding Organic Farming
- Organic farming is a sustainable agricultural system that depends on natural, on-farm inputs for maintaining soil fertility and managing pests.
- It avoids synthetic chemicals and promotes ecological balance. By enhancing soil organic matter and biodiversity, organic farming supports long-term productivity.
- It also plays a role in climate change mitigation, as reduced chemical fertilizer use lowers greenhouse gas emissions.
- For farmers, it ensures safer food production and reduces dependence on costly external inputs.
Advantages of Organic Farming
- Organic farming offers multiple environmental, economic, and health benefits.
- It reduces soil, water, and air pollution, ensuring cleaner ecosystems. By lowering chemical residues in food, it minimizes health risks for humans and animals.
- Organic practices improve soil structure, aeration, and water-holding capacity, reducing erosion and crop failure risks.
- Farmers benefit from lower input costs and more resilient farming systems. Over time, it ensures sustainable production while conserving natural resources for future generations.
Government Initiatives Supporting Organic Farming
- The Government of India has been actively promoting organic farming through targeted schemes.
- The Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana encourages cluster-based organic farming across states.
- The Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region focuses on organic value chains for export markets.
- The National Centre of Organic Farming acts as the nodal body under the Ministry of Agriculture, supporting training, certification, and awareness.
Organic Farming in India
- India has emerged as one of the leading countries in organic farming in terms of number of farmers.
- Organic agriculture is promoted under the Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) framework.
- Certification systems like PGS-India and NPOP ensure credibility of organic produce.
- States such as Sikkim, which is fully organic, provide successful examples. Rajasthan’s move adds momentum to India’s sustainable agriculture journey.
Key Summary at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
| Why in News? | Rajasthan’s first fully organic village body declared |
| Village Panchayat | Bamanwas Kankar Panchayat |
| Coverage | Seven hamlets |
| Farming Practice | 100% organic, chemical-free |
| Key Benefits | Soil health, safe food, lower costs |
| Govt Support | PKVY, MOVCDNER |
Question
Q. Bamanwas Kankar Panchayat, recently in news, is known for being:
A. Rajasthan’s largest dairy cluster
B. India’s first organic city
C. Rajasthan’s first fully organic village body
D. A pilot project under Green Revolution