Nashik: Former state revenue minister and senior Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat on Sunday told farmers to focus on producing residue-free agricultural products. Addressing a gathering during his visit to the agricultural expo, Krishithon-2023, in Nashik on Saturday, Thorat said the farmers should switch to organic farming to avoid adverse effects of chemical fertilizers. He added that farmers have been continuously facing several challenges, including climate change, and the government should also take various measures in the interest of farmers. Few progressive farmers were also felicitated by Thorat during a programme held at the expo at Thakkers Dome, near ABB Circle along Trimbak Road.Nashik is known for producing vegetables, onion and grapes at large. Farmers from Nashik are known for their experiments in agriculture. Most of the farmers are also engaged in organic farming and residue-free farm produce, but this activity needs to be increased across the state, the former state revenue minister said. Thorat also informed the farmers about the various measures he had taken as the state agriculture minister when his party was in power around a decade ago. A private event management company has organized the five-day agricultural expo and around 300 companies have set up their stalls, showcasing various farming technologies and research work. Around 1.5 lakh people have visited the expo during the first three days of the event.We also published the following articles recentlyPunjab and Haryana high court relief for company manufacturing fermented organic manure from crop residueThe Punjab and Haryana High Court has stayed proceedings against a private company manufacturing fermented organic manure from crop residue. The company had filed a plea seeking consideration of samples taken by authorities in Haryana in 2016-17, in accordance with the latest government notification. The court has also issued notice to the Haryana government. The petitioner argued that the central government has introduced a new category of fermented organic manure to encourage sustainable waste management. They also claimed that Haryanas complaints were based on parameters for organic manure, not fermented organic manure.Farmers stall grievance meet seeking water for irrigationFarmers demand water for irrigation of single crop areas and Thirumangalam canal command area; government releases water for double crop areas but farmers in single crop area demand their share; government orders release of water for single crop and Thirumangalam canal areas; farmers attend meeting demanding a definite answer from the collector; collector states that the district administration cant decide on its own and all concerns will be addressed to the government; farmers walk out and plan to stage a protest; farmers allege vested political interest in water release.Farmer harassed over loan kills selfA 52-year-old farmer named Anil Kumar allegedly killed himself in Bijnor district after being harassed and abused by bank officials from Sarva UP Gramin Bank for loan repayment. An FIR has been filed against the unidentified bank officials under Sections 306 and 504 of the IPC. An investigation is underway. The farmers son, Vipin Kumar, stated that the bank officials visited their home, misbehaved, issued threats, and demanded immediate loan repayment. The bank officials denied the allegations and claimed to have no information about the loan amount.

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