Jaipur: Grade 10 Dropout, LawChand Patidar from Jhalawar, designed a curriculum on organic farming for the University of Agriculture in this country.
Patidar, a farmer from Manpura Village, was awarded Padma Shri in 2018 for his contribution to promoting organic farming.
The following year, in 2019, he was given a civilian award by President of RAM Nath Kovind for his knowledge in organic farming.
He is part of the National Committee working on the curriculum under the Council of India for Agricultural Research (ICAR), an autonomous body under the Agriculture Union.
From the upcoming session, the University of Agriculture, which follows the ICAR rules, will have a course about this problem.
The state has four universities – the highest in this country.
The task assigned to the committee is to frame the curriculum from class XI to the PhD level.
Committee members including scientists, academics, and the only expert who did not have a formal degree was Patidar.
“So far, the University of Agriculture runs courses such as BSC, MSC and PhD in horticulture and agriculture.
This is for the first time, the ‘Pracratic Evam Govansh Adharit Krishi’ course (agriculture related to dirt and cow dung) will be introduced in schools, colleges and universities, “Patidar said.
He has the expertise in organic farming and its farm produces oranges, pulses, onions, coriander, and fennel seeds exported to Europe.
“Over the years, I have introduced a few steps on agricultural land that has increased carbon content on the ground.
The resulting impact is that land has been conducive to the growth of microorganisms and insects needed to increase land value.
The exact use of ‘panchgavya’ ( Five elements extracted from cattle) then add nutrients on the ground that makes plants healthier, “said Patidar.
He was also credited for declaring his village of chemical-free agricultural areas by encouraging 150 farmers to adopt traditional agricultural facilities.
He has consulted a consultation to the University and the Ministry of Agriculture in the subject.
He may not be an academic in terms of modern education, but gives credit to start a traditional agricultural revolution into ancient texts and scripts.
“I will reveal how old-fashioned texts have helped me in traditional agriculture at meetings with committee members,” said Patidar.
Of the 14 committee members, two more came from Rajasthan – Arun Sharma, a scientist at the Arid Central Zone Research Institute, and Academician Ratan Lal Daga from Jodhpur.
The Committee will submit a report in two months and the course is likely to be introduced from the upcoming academic session.