Global spiritual organisation Art of Living Foundation on Wednesday launched Kisan Basket, a platform that will allow consumers to directly order from farmers. The Foundation signed an MoU with the state government to this effect in the presence of Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
A press statement issued by the organization said they are already implementing natural farming over 1.3 million hectares in the state to bring about holistic rural development. “More than 10,000 tribal farmers have been trained around Sambhaji Nagar district in natural farming and sustainable agriculture, making them self-reliant. The project found mention in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mann Ki Baat show as well,” said the release.
Addressing a gathering of farmers in Alandi, Sri Sri Ravishankar urged sarpanchs to ensure farmers are not driven to suicides. “We have to stop farmer suicides. I appeal to the Maharashtra government to work on preventing farmer suicides…Our volunteers will also work with you,” he said.
The spiritual leader also appealed to village heads and parents to keep youths away from alcohol addiction. He said if the farmer is unhappy, the consumer of the food he produces will not be healthy either.
Popular Marathi actor and environment activist Sayaji Shinde, who was also present at the event, encouraged everyone to plant at least 500 trees saying “only trees deserve celebrity status.” Sarpanch Hiware Bazar and Padma Shri awardee Popat Rao Pawar also spoke about the need to keep the soil healthy.
The Art of Living Social Projects & Government of Maharashtra’s MNREGA signed an MoU taking the Jal Tara project forward. Under Art of Living’s Jal Tara project, 45,500 Jaltara recharge structures have been constructed in 115 villages in two years, benefiting lakhs of people.
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