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The International Fund for Agricultural Development has told the Indian government that organic farming is the way forward for Vidarbha’s debt-ridden farmers
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) says in a report that organic farming could be the key to tackling farmer suicides in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. The UN agency, at the behest of the Indian government, conducted a month-long study in February 2008 in the area, which has registered the greatest number of suicides by farmers despite various financial packages devised by the government. The report confirmed the well-known fact that farmers were in debt because of high-risk farming methods, two consecutive droughts, and the high cost of genetically modified seeds, fertiliser and pesticides. Its solution, though, is novel: organic farming that cuts input costs. IFAD is now designing a programme to help farmers regain old skills, use organic fertilisers, and regenerate seeds. The aim is to reduce the cost of inputs which have been rising steadily over the years. The design document will be ready by June. IFAD acknowledges that marketing and certification for organic foods will require special attention and is working out an appropriate module. Its country programme manager for Asia, Mattia Galetti, said farmers should diversify into high-value products like livestock and horticulture and should consider a contract farming approach that is pro-farmer. Source: DNA, April 10, 2008
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