From Field to Fork: Connecting Ecological Balance with Healthy, Diverse Food Choices

Farming isn't just about tilling soil and planting seeds. It's the oldest business there is, dating back thousands of years, and the backbone of our progress. Think about it, how else could we feed 800 crore people today?

Yes, farmers are fewer, but one in three of us still connects with this noble profession. And just look at our achievements! In the 1960s, one farmer fed 10 mouths; now, that number stands at 150! Wheat yields have tripled, chickens lay 300 eggs instead of 30, and food overflows our markets.

But, friends, this bounty carries a responsibility. Our farming practices, while efficient, haven't been kind to Mother Earth. Pollution from chemicals and overuse of water threaten to choke our planet's fertility, leading to future food shortages.

Here's the key: nature thrives on diversity, and our farms, ironically, lag behind. Imagine, over 3.5 lakh types of plants exist, 30,000 edible, yet we eat only 250! Just 12 crops and 5 animals contribute three-fourths of our diet.

Wheat, rice, maize, sugarcane – these big names fill 61% of our plates, while the remaining 12% comes from chicken, cow, buffalo, and a few others. Can you believe we have 26 varieties of lentils, 44 vegetable options, and 59 types of fruits, yet stick to a handful?

The answer to food security and a healthy planet lies in embracing this diversity! Imagine adjusting to changing climates, surviving pests and diseases, all because our farms mimic nature's rich tapestry.

So, when we talk about organic farming, let's talk about planting a rainbow of crops, not just a few familiar faces. Let's rediscover the forgotten lentils, experiment with colorful vegetables, and explore the bounty Mother Earth offers.

Remember, brothers and sisters, diversity is not just a slogan; it's the key to our future. Let's make our farms as vibrant and resilient as the land we love!

Jai Kisan! Jai Hind!