Varanasi: For scientifically promoting a natural, sustainable and cow-based agricultural system, an MoU was signed between Banshi Gir Gaushala, Ahmedabad and agriculture and horticulture departments, Varanasi on Tuesday.The agreement was signed for a period of one year in the presence of development commissioner S Rajalingam, DM Satyendra Kumar, and chief development officer Prakhar Kumar Singh. The MoU was signed by deputy director of agriculture, Varanasi, Amit Jaiswal, district horticulture officer Subhash Kumar, and founder of Banshi Gir Gaushala, Gopalbhai Sutariya. Officials said the initiative would prove to be an important effort towards natural farming, protection of soil health, increase in farmers’ income, and development of a sustainable agricultural system. Under the MoU, a one-year pilot project will be operated in Varanasi district over an area of about 100 acres with selected progressive farmers. In this project, the “Go Kripa Amritam”-based natural and cow-based farming method will be scientifically tested, demonstrated and evaluated. During the project, selected farmers will be provided regular technical guidance, training, weekly field monitoring and scientific assistance. Regular inspection of the fields will be jointly carried out by agriculture department, horticulture department and scientists of Banshi Gir Gaushala, and scientific documentation of every stage of the project will be done. Under the agreement, the selection of farmers will be entirely voluntary. Scientific research related to the project will also include the study of soil health, microbial activities, carbon sequestration, nutrient recycling and agricultural profitability. In addition, provision has also been made to honour farmers delivering excellent performance, to jointly publish research papers, technical publications and project reports, and to form a steering committee, monitoring committee and implementation committee for operation of the project.
