Shafaqna India: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Saturday, said millets and other organic crops grown by farmers in the vicinity of cantonment areas will be procured for the consumption of armed forces, adding that the same will be made available at the ministry-run CSD canteens as well.
Addressing a gathering of farmers at the Unnat Krishi Mahotsav 2026 here, he said, “The Modi government is focusing on organic farming and promotion of millet crops on a war-footing. We are considering to engage farmers in the vicinity of cantonment areas to provide us fresh fruits, vegetables, millets and other organic produce.”
He said the step will help in providing nutritious and fresh food to the soldiers instead of waiting for military trucks for the ration supply.
“We will make such produce by farmers available at CSD canteens under the defence ministry. The step can help in increasing farmers’ income and also provide them the much-needed impetus for organic farming,” he added.
The defence minister also urged the youth to embrace farming and pursue it like any other profession.
“The youth of this country can bring more energy and innovation in the agriculture sector. Youngsters should be encouraged to take up farming along with their respective careers,” he added.
Singh, who had served as the agriculture minister under the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government, also lauded the BJP-led dispensation for the Fasal Bheema Yojana as well as direct benefit transfer (DBT) scheme to farmers.
“The Unnat Krishi Mahotsav is a crucial step to bring our farmers and industry together. The Modi government has always followed an integrated approach towards farmers’ welfare, be it building national highways to connect villages to towns or providing electricity to rural areas,” he added.
The Centre is aggressively pushing organic and natural farming to improve soil health, reduce input costs for farmers, and make India a global organic food hub. Key initiatives include the National Mission for Natural Farming (NMNF) and Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), offering financial assistance, certification, and marketing support.
The Centre has also pushed for Zero Budget Natural Farming, that is, raising crops without using any fertilisers and pesticides or any other external materials. The word Zero Budget refers to the zero cost of production of all crops.
The method guides the farmers towards sustainable farming practices which helps in retaining soil fertility, ensure chemical-free agriculture and ensure low cost of production, thereby enhancing farmers’ income.
