The International Rice Research Institute – South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) , Varanasi, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Himachal Pradesh, organized a farmers’ training program on natural farming at Kot Panchayat in Mandi on Thursday, April 16, 2026.
The program focused on promoting sustainable and low-cost farming practices to address rising input costs and climate challenges – issues that have become increasingly pressing for farmers across the Himalayan region.
Approximately 60 farmers participated in the training, which was led by experts from ISARC along with officials from the state agriculture department.
Who Conducted the Training?
The training was led by a team of experts from ISARC and supported by Himachal Pradesh agriculture officials.
ISARC Experts
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Ajay Kumar Mishra | Expert |
| Sreenivasa Reddy | Expert |
| Gayatri Hetta | Expert |
| Jaya Sharma | Field Technician |
| Vipasha Thakur | Field Technician |
Agriculture Department Officials
| Name | Position |
|---|---|
| Lekh Raj | Block Technology Manager |
| Savita Chauhan | Agricultural Technology Manager |
The collaboration between ISARC and the state department ensured that farmers received both research-backed knowledge and field-level practical insights.
Why Natural Farming? The Core Message
During the program, experts emphasized that natural farming could reduce dependency on chemical inputs while improving soil health and long-term farm sustainability. They highlighted its particular relevance for regions like Himachal Pradesh, where resource-efficient practices are critical.
Key Benefits Highlighted
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Reduced input costs | Less reliance on expensive chemical fertilizers and pesticides |
| Improved soil health | Natural inputs enhance soil biology and structure |
| Better yield stability | Resilient practices lead to consistent production |
| Climate resilience | Natural farming methods are better adapted to weather extremes |
| Reduced chemical dependency | Lower environmental and health risks |
The experts noted that farmers in hilly terrains face unique challenges: small landholdings, fragile ecosystems, and high transportation costs for chemical inputs. Natural farming offers a viable alternative that works with local conditions rather than against them.
What Farmers Learned – Hands-On Training
The training included interactive sessions and hands-on demonstrations on the preparation and application of natural inputs.
Training Components
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Interactive sessions | Expert lectures and Q&A on natural farming principles |
| Hands-on demonstrations | Practical shows of preparing natural inputs |
| Field-level insights | Real-world examples from agriculture department officials |
| Group discussions | Farmers shared experiences and challenges |
Farmers gained practical exposure to:
- Jeevamrit – A natural microbial culture for soil fertility
- Bijamrit – Seed treatment solution using local ingredients
- Mulching techniques – Moisture conservation methods
- Intercropping strategies – Diversifying crops for soil health
Farmer Response – Strong Interest in Adoption
The report noted that farmers showed strong interest in adopting natural farming techniques, recognizing several key benefits:
| Benefit Recognized by Farmers | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Reduced input costs | Chemical fertilizers have become increasingly expensive |
| Improved soil health | Degraded soils need restoration |
| Better yield stability | Climate variability makes consistent yields crucial |
| Low-cost approach | Accessible to small and marginal farmers |
One participating farmer was quoted as saying (paraphrased from the training context) that the hands-on demonstration made natural farming seem practical and achievable – not just a theoretical concept.
The Context – Rising Input Costs and Climate Challenges
The training comes at a critical time for Indian agriculture.
Challenges Facing Farmers
| Challenge | Impact |
|---|---|
| Rising fertilizer prices | Global disruptions (Strait of Hormuz crisis) have pushed costs up |
| Climate variability | Erratic rainfall, heat waves, and unseasonal storms |
| Soil degradation | Overuse of chemical inputs has reduced soil fertility |
| Small landholdings | Marginal farmers cannot easily absorb cost increases |
Himachal Pradesh, with its fragile hill ecosystems, is particularly vulnerable to these challenges. Natural farming offers a pathway to reduce external dependencies while building long-term resilience.
ISARC’s Role in Promoting Natural Farming
The International Rice Research Institute – South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) , based in Varanasi, is a premier research institution focused on rice-based agri-food systems. While its name emphasizes rice, ISARC’s work extends to broader agricultural sustainability, including natural farming practices.
About ISARC
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh |
| Parent organization | International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) |
| Focus | Rice-based agri-food systems in South Asia |
| Activities | Research, training, capacity building, technology transfer |
The Mandi training is part of ISARC’s broader effort to promote sustainable intensification – producing more food with fewer inputs and lower environmental impact.
Government Support – Department of Agriculture Collaboration
The collaboration with Himachal Pradesh’s Department of Agriculture was crucial to the training’s success. Officials like Lekh Raj (Block Technology Manager) and Savita Chauhan (Agricultural Technology Manager) contributed field-level insights that complemented ISARC’s research expertise.
Role of State Agriculture Department
| Function | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Field insights | Real-world challenges faced by local farmers |
| Extension network | Connecting with farmer groups |
| Follow-up support | Potential for ongoing technical assistance |
| Policy alignment | Ensuring training aligns with state natural farming initiatives |
Himachal Pradesh has been promoting natural farming through various state-sponsored programs. The ISARC training complements these efforts by providing technical depth and research validation.
What’s Next – Scaling Up Natural Farming
The Mandi training is a single event, but it fits into a larger strategy.
Next Steps for Participating Farmers
| Action | Purpose |
|---|---|
| On-farm trials | Test natural farming on small plots |
| Peer learning | Share experiences with other farmers |
| Follow-up trainings | ISARC may conduct additional sessions |
| Input preparation | Farmers can produce their own natural inputs |
Scaling Challenges
| Challenge | Potential Solution |
|---|---|
| Transition period | Yields may dip initially before improving |
| Knowledge gaps | Ongoing training and mentorship |
| Market linkages | Premium prices for naturally grown produce |
| Policy support | Government subsidies for natural inputs |
A Small Step with Big Potential
The natural farming training conducted by ISARC in Mandi is a small-scale intervention – 60 farmers in a single panchayat. But its potential impact extends far beyond those participants.
As input costs rise and climate challenges intensify, farmers need alternatives to the chemical-intensive agriculture model. Natural farming offers a low-cost, ecologically sound path forward – one that improves soil health, reduces dependency on external inputs, and builds resilience.
The strong interest shown by participating farmers suggests that the message is resonating. With continued support from institutions like ISARC and state agriculture departments, natural farming could move from the margins to the mainstream in Himachal Pradesh – and beyond.
For now, 60 farmers in Mandi have new knowledge, new skills, and a new hope for a more sustainable agricultural future.
