Phulbani,October23 (Sunil Patnaik):A two-day state-level conference on natural farming is proposed to be held in November 2026 through the joint efforts of the National Coalition for Natural Farming (NCNF), Kandhamal chapter, and the Kandhamal district administration. The conference aims to promote natural farming and accelerate agroecological transformation across Odisha. More than 300 stakeholders from different parts of the state are expected to participate and discuss strategies for expanding natural farming and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.The conference is expected to bring together progressive farmers, indigenous seed conservationists, Krushi Mitras, Prani Mitras, biodiversity conservationists, representatives of civil society organisations (CSOs), government officials, researchers, and other stakeholders working towards sustainable agriculture and food systems.The event will feature exhibitions and live demonstrations of natural farming products and agricultural practices by farmers. Progressive farmers from Kandhamal district will also be felicitated for their outstanding contributions to sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and the promotion of natural farming.In this connection, a delegation of NCNF Odisha met Kandhamal District Collector and District Magistrate **Vedabhushan, IAS**, on October 23, 2026, to discuss the proposed conference. The District Collector appreciated the initiative and assured the delegation of the district administration’s cooperation in organising the event.Subsequently, partner civil society organisations associated with the NCNF Kandhamal chapter held a preparatory meeting at the KASAM office in Phulbani. The meeting discussed arrangements, planning, and coordinated efforts to ensure the successful organisation of the conference.The primary objectives of the conference are to strengthen farmer-led initiatives, promote natural farming practices, conserve indigenous seeds and biodiversity, and enhance cooperation among farmers, civil society organisations, and government institutions to accelerate agroecological transformation in Kandhamal district.With the vision of developing Kandhamal into a model district for organic and natural farming, the conference will provide a platform for grassroots-level experience sharing, showcasing local innovations, and preparing a collective roadmap for sustainable agricultural development.One of the major expected outcomes of the conference is the formulation of the **“Kandhamal Declaration.”** The declaration is expected to outline the collective commitments and future course of action of all stakeholders towards promoting natural farming, protecting biodiversity, strengthening farmers’ livelihoods, and building a sustainable food system capable of withstanding the challenges of climate change.The proposed conference is being viewed as a significant step towards establishing Kandhamal as a leading district in natural farming and agroecological development in Odisha.Among those present were KASAM Secretary Sanjit Kumar Patnaik; SWATI Secretary Engineer Hari Shankar Rout; A.P.S. Sridhar Behera and Hrushikesh; NCNF representatives Imran Ali Khan and Eka Das Nandi; along with representatives of Harsha Trust, iConcept, PRADAN, ORISSA, and Jana Vikash.
