Collector visits Sutareti bio-resource centre, asks for plan to bring 1,000 farmers into natural farming

Collector Dr Yogesh Tukaram Bharsat visited Sutareti village under the Chief Minister Jan Vishwas Abhiyan. He saw the farm and the bio-resource centre of progressive farmer Mukesh Bhuria. The Collector asked about natural farming, the methods of making organic products, production capacity and the arrangements for sale. He praised this effort to become self-reliant through natural farming and said it was an inspiration for other farmers.

Bhuria has cut his cost of cultivation by adopting natural farming. By making and selling organic products, he has also opened new avenues of income. His bio-resource centre prepares several natural farming products, including jeevamrit, vermicompost and organic chutney. About 250 people are associated with the initiative.

During the inspection, Bhuria said the centre produces about 10,000 litres of jeevamrit in 45 days. It is sold at Rs 40 a litre, bringing in sales of about Rs 4 lakh. Production of 150 quintals of vermicompost yields a net profit of about Rs 2 lakh. According to Bhuria, he earns a net profit of about Rs 4 lakh from jeevamrit and vermicompost together.

Collector Bharsat discussed in detail the quality, certification, packaging and sale arrangements for organic products. Information was also taken on 17 centres linked to organic products. He directed that a distinct brand of organic products be created, so that they have a separate identity in the market and farmers' incomes rise. He said the district administration would give the necessary help in branding and marketing.

The Collector also directed that self-help groups be linked to the initiative. He asked for an action plan to bring at least 1,000 farmers of the district into natural farming. He said natural farming improves soil fertility, lowers the cost of cultivation and strengthens farmers' economic condition. He said the experiences of such successful farmers should be taken to the rest of the district's farmers.

On the occasion, the Collector also spoke to members of the Jagriti self-help group of Sutareti. During the inspection, a demand was raised to ensure water availability through the Nal-Jal scheme. The Collector directed the officials concerned to take the necessary action.

Mukesh Bhuria's bio-resource centre is today becoming an inspiration for the district's farmers. His success shows that better use of natural resources, new experiments and enterprise can make farming profitable.

Sub-Divisional Officer (Revenue) Thandla Bhaskar Gachle and other officials and staff were present.