Two-day symposium at Patanjali University highlights sustainable cultivation of medicinal herbs, soil testing, and NABARD collaboration for rural development.

A two-day national symposium on ‘Sustainable Cultivation of Quality Medicinal Herbs through Soil Health Testing and Management’ ended on Sunday at Patanjali University in Haridwar.

The Ministry of AYUSH, Patanjali Organic Research Institute, RCSCNR-1, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), and Bharuwa Agriscience collaborated to organize the event on October 27-28 as part of the ‘Swasth Dhara’ (Healthy Earth) project.

NABARD and Patanjali Collaboration to Strengthen Sustainable Farming

Speaking to the audience, NABARD Chairman and Chief Guest Shaji KV highlighted the organization’s collaboration with Patanjali as an important step toward encouraging sustainable agriculture and rural development.

“NABARD’s goal is to provide loan support for activities that promote sustainable agriculture and rural development. “This collaboration will help us implement innovative projects more effectively,” he said.

Shaji KV emphasized NABARD’s long-term vision, stating that the year is critical to achieve the aim of Developed India 2027. He also highlighted the negative effects of monoculture techniques, which, he claimed, had resulted in decreasing soil fertility and biodiversity.

Acharya Balkrishna: “Crop Health Is Key to Human Health.”

Patanjali University Vice-Chancellor Acharya Balkrishna emphasized the interconnectedness between soil and human well-being. “Protecting crops is essential for safeguarding human health,” he stated, urging efforts to return soil to its natural state.

He referred to soil management as a pressing issue, emphasizing the significance of revitalizing the planet’s inherent and universal resources in order to achieve true ‘Swasth Dhara’.

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‘Dharti Ka Doctor’ Machine Captures Attention

Patanjali’s automated soil-testing system, the ‘Dharti Ka Doctor (DKD)’, became the conference’s primary attraction. Acharya Balkrishna noted that the idea addresses soil-related issues and contributes to make the Earth disease-free.

The DKD testing kit can properly analyze essential soil elements such as nitrogen, phosphate, potassium, pH levels, organic carbon, and electrical conductivity in 30 minutes.

Dr KN Sharma, Director of Bharuwa Agriscience, stated that the DKD machine helps farmers overcome the problems involved with producing high-quality crops.

During the ceremony, two publications were launched: ‘Swasth Dhara’ and ‘Medicinal Plants: International Journal of Phytomedicines and Related Industries’.