Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (UHF), Nauni, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hindustan Insecticides Limited (HIL) to promote natural farming across India.
The MoU facilitates the joint implementation of the Global Environment Facility and United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) Regional Child Project, which focuses on reducing and managing agrochemical use through the Fostering Agrochemical Reduction and Management (FARM) initiative in India.
HIL, a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers manufactures agrochemicals, seeds, and water-soluble fertilizers.
This collaboration marks a pioneering effort by a company traditionally involved in the production of agrochemicals and fertilizers to actively promote natural farming practices in the country.
The MoU was signed by Prof RS Chandel, Vice Chancellor of UHF, and Kuldeep Singh, Chairman and Managing Director of HIL. The primary goal of the FARM project is to offer safer alternatives to chemical pesticides and promote Integrated Pest Management practices, including natural farming, among India’s farming communities.
The initiative aims to transition 1.5 million hectares of farmland from conventional chemical farming to organic/natural farming methods and protect 1.5 million people from exposure to harmful pesticides.
Prof Chandel termed the occasion as “historic” for the university, emphasising its role as a pioneer in natural farming and agroecology.
He expressed happiness about the partnership with HIL, noting that the collaboration would contribute significantly to reducing chemical use in agriculture and developing pilot models for nationwide implementation.