In a unique initiative, Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat visited Tihar Jail to promote the benefits of organic farming among inmates. The event titled ‘One Step Towards Organic Farming’ aimed to educate prisoners and jail staff about sustainable agricultural practices. The Governor shared his experiences with natural farming, emphasizing its importance for both environmental conservation and national development.
During the programme, he explained that organic farming is not just a method of agriculture but also a movement for protecting the environment and building a better nation. He highlighted how inmates could become self-reliant through organic farming, which would also provide fresh produce for the jail’s kitchen. Delhi’s Home Minister Ashish Sood supported the initiative, announcing plans to sell organic products through ‘Tihar Haat’, a market for goods produced by inmates.
The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, had previously suggested using Tihar’s arable land for organic farming and providing training to inmates. This training would help them reintegrate into society as respected individuals, able to support themselves through agriculture once released.
Governor Devvrat discussed the scientific basis of organic farming, including soil and environment protection, and its positive impacts on human health. He explained how chemical farming harms soil fertility and poses risks to health and the environment. He stated that excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides damages the soil’s biological composition and pollutes water resources, leading to a decrease in nutrient content in crops.
He outlined the key differences between organic and natural farming, noting that natural farming is a zero-budget, sustainable method that guarantees economic independence for farmers. It uses local resources like cow dung and urine to rejuvenate soil fertility without the need for chemical inputs, significantly reducing farming costs and ensuring healthy, chemical-free produce.
The Governor urged inmates to view organic farming not just as an agricultural technique but as a broad movement for environmental protection and nation-building. He stated that this approach not only secures the future of agriculture but also paves the way for a new lifestyle.
Home Minister Ashish Sood praised the ongoing organic farming campaign in Gujarat, noting that over 950,000 farmers have adopted these practices. He reiterated that the initiative at Tihar Jail would empower inmates, allowing them to contribute to the jail’s food needs while also preparing them for a more independent life post-release.
The event included tours of various Tihar facilities where organic farming is taking place, as well as visits to an art gallery and production units for jute bags and LED lights, showcasing the diverse skills being cultivated among inmates. The Director General of Tihar Jail, Satish Golcha, welcomed the guests and provided insights into the welfare initiatives and organic farming projects underway in the prison.
This programme represents a significant step in rehabilitating inmates through education in sustainable practices, helping them to become productive members of society once they complete their sentences. By promoting organic farming, Tihar Jail aims to provide a model for self-sufficiency and environmental awareness among its inmates, ultimately contributing to their reintegration into society as responsible citizens.