Prof. Naveen Kumar Arora Honoured in Bilaspur for His Contribution to Natural Farming and Rural Livelihood Enhancement

Prof. Naveen Kumar Arora of the Department of Environmental Science, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU), Lucknow, was felicitated by Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, former Union Cabinet Minister and five-time elected Member of Parliament, at a programme on Natural Farming held in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh. Prof. Arora was honoured for his remarkable contribution towards improving the livelihoods of villagers in Bilaspur district and promoting nature-based organic agriculture. The programme was organized by Manav Vikas Sansthan, Himachal Pradesh. Prof. Arora participated in the event as a Guest of Honour, while Shri Anurag Singh Thakur presided over the programme as the Chief Guest. Padma Shri awardee Shri Nekram Sharma was also present on the occasion. On this occasion, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Raj Kumar Mittal, extended his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Prof. Arora and described the achievement as a matter of pride for the University.
Prof. Arora has also established a biofertilizer production unit in Bilaspur to promote organic farming, thereby helping local farmers adopt sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur said that transforming Himachal Pradesh into a fully organic and natural farming-based state is a shared goal for all stakeholders. He emphasized that active participation of farmers, scientists, teachers, and social organizations is essential to achieve this objective. He further stated that the experience, research contributions, and grassroots engagement of educators and scientists like Prof. Naveen Kumar Arora are playing a significant role in promoting natural farming and strengthening rural livelihoods. Such efforts, he noted, will not only contribute to environmental conservation but also pave the way for sustainable and inclusive agricultural development.
Prof. Naveen Kumar Arora, in his address, said that promoting natural and organic farming is the need of the hour, especially in view of changing climatic conditions and the emerging challenges facing the agricultural sector. He stated that his team is continuously working to enhance farmers’ income, reduce agricultural input costs, and ensure environmental sustainability. He expressed confidence that scientific innovations, awareness programmes, and the active participation of farmers would facilitate the wider adoption of natural farming practices. Prof. Arora further affirmed that he would continue to contribute through research, training, and technical support for the welfare of farmers and would persist in his efforts to strengthen rural livelihoods.
More than one thousand farmers participated in the workshop. During the programme, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, Prof. Naveen Kumar Arora, Padma Shri Shri Nekram Sharma, Shri Rasam Chandel, Founder of Manav Vikas Sansthan, and scientists from various agricultural universities sensitized farmers about the importance and necessity of nature-based farming in the context of changing climatic conditions.
The speakers urged farmers to reduce their dependence on chemical farming and adopt natural and organic farming practices, which would not only enhance agricultural productivity but also strengthen environmental conservation and rural livelihoods.

......................................................................................................... --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------