Patanjali Organic Research Institute and the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), in collaboration with Bharuwa Agriscience organised a two-day workshop at the auditorium of the Patanjali Research Foundation and Patanjali University under the “Swastha Dhaara” Yojana on “Sustainable Cultivation of Quality Medicinal Plants” through Soil Testing and Management” on October 27–28.
The prime objective of the programme was to promote a healthy planet, sustainable agriculture, and long-term food security, and to strengthen efforts globally.
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The event was attended by national and regional farmers, researchers, agricultural experts, and technologists. They discussed technical measures for soil health management and improving soil quality.
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During the programme, Patanjali University Vice-Chancellor Acharya Balkrishna Maharaj welcomed the chief guests by presenting them with bouquets, ceremonial scarves, and mementoes. The event started with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, followed by a group song presented by the teams of Swasth Dhara and Chandramohan.
Earth Suffers Due To Excessive Use of Chemicals
Dr. A.K. Mehta, Technical Director of Horticulture and the Patanjali Organic Research Institute, delivered the welcome address.
In his inspiring speech, Acharya Balkrishna conveyed the message of yoga, sages, and the green revolution, emphasising that the earth is suffering due to the excessive use of chemicals — a pain that will adversely affect the health of future generations. He appealed to people to adopt organic farming instead of artificial cultivation.
According to Acharya Balkrishna, only 10% of food processing in the country is organised, and Patanjali’s contribution to it is 8%. The organisation is a leader in the production of amla, aloe vera, grains, and oilseeds.
Dedicated to the conservation of nature, the environment, and the earth, Patanjali continues to conduct research on bio-compost and Ayurvedic herbs.
With the cooperation of the Government of India, Patanjali has trained more than 80,000 people. Speaking about revolutionary changes in soil management through technology, Acharya said that soil management is a fundamental process among the various factors influencing crop productivity, as it directly affects land health and agricultural sustainability.
He added that with the increasing central role of technology in farming, soil management is undergoing transformative changes. Through digital platforms, farmers can now improve soil testing, land management, crop planning, irrigation, and pest control. He also laid special emphasis on promoting sustainable agriculture through technological integration and addressing related challenges.
The Role of Scientists in Agriculture Is Crucial
In his address, Swamiji stressed over the need to delve deep into the Vedas to understand their profound mysteries, philosophies, and principles. He said that the Vedas are not merely superficial knowledge but symbols of the scientific foundation of life, nature, and creation.
Swamiji highlighted that the role of scientists in the field of agriculture is extremely important, as they are educating farmers through new technologies, high-yielding varieties, and methods to control soil and crop diseases. He noted that this is possible only when our soil is healthy and disease-free.
Agricultural scientists, through research and innovation, are developing sustainable and eco-friendly farming practices. The automated soil testing machine “DKD,” developed by Patanjali, has significantly increased crop yields.
Promoting the Cultivation of Medicinal Herbs Is Vital
Special guest Dr. Rajbir Singh, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Extension) at ICAR, highlighted Patanjali’s central role in the green revolution and said that promoting the cultivation of medicinal herbs is essential to prevent migration from Uttarakhand. He mentioned that Patanjali is striving to double farmers’ income by directly purchasing a variety of agricultural products.
In the digital era, Patanjali has connected farmers through digital means by adopting an e-banking system via Bharua Solution, bringing transparency to the loan process. Dr. Singh added that such events will serve as global inspiration in the areas of Swasth Dhara (healthy soil) management, precision farming, and soil health improvement.
Former Vice-Chancellor of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Jammu, Dr. Pradeep Sharma, said that soil health forms the foundation for plants, animals, and human life. It maintains the biological productivity of the soil while improving the quality of water and air.
Dr. Sanjay Srivastava, Principal Scientist at ICAR Bhopal, discussed the role of remote sensing and DNA sequencing technologies, stating that these methods help accurately assess soil conditions, erosion, and nutrient deficiencies, enabling farmers to make quick and informed decisions.
Experts Share Insights on Agricultural Technology Development
Other experts- Dr. T.J. Purkayastha, Dr. R.K. Setia, Prof. Ajay Namdev, Dr. Baljeet Singh, Dr. G.P. Rao, Dr. J.A.N. Raina, and Dr. Gulshan Kumar Dhingra- shared their views on soil health testing, quality control of medicinal plants, and the development of agricultural technology.
At the successful conclusion of the programme, Dr. Vedpriya Arya, Head of the Herbal Research Department at the Patanjali Research Institute, expressed her gratitude and shared information about Patanjali’s upcoming initiatives, online distance courses, and academic programmes.