Lucknow, Apr 21 (Reporter) The Uttar Pradesh government plans to bring over 2.5 lakh farmers into the fold of natural farming across 282 blocks and 2,144 gram panchayats in the state, official sources said here on Monday. Sources said that the initiative will be implemented through 50-hectare clusters, with an estimated investment of Rs 2,500 crore over the next two years. "After successful implementation in Bundelkhand and along the Ganga's coastal areas, natural farming is now being expanded to both banks of its tributaries," they said. Sources said that to raise awareness and provide grassroots support, 'Krishi Sakhis' will be appointed at a monthly honorarium of Rs 5,000. "Experts from Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) will train these women farmers in their respective districts. Besides, two Bio-Input Research Centres (BRCs) will be established in every district to support this initiative," they said. Sources said that a unique initiative being run in Bundelkhand’s seven districts, including Jhansi, Lalitpur, Jalaun, Hamirpur, Mahoba, Banda and Chitrakoot, focuses on cow-based natural farming. "Farmers are being trained to produce organic inputs, such as Jeevamrut, Beejamrit and Ghanjeevamrit, using cow dung and urine. These bio-formulations are being used as natural fertilizers and pesticides in the fields," they said. Sources said that so far, 470 clusters have been formed, benefiting 21,934 farmers. "A 50-hectare cluster is being developed in every gram panchayat, with financial assistance provided to farmers cultivating up to two hectares. In total, 2,535 sessions of Farmers' Field Schools have been conducted under this mission. The government has allocated Rs 13.16 crore for its first and second phases," they said. Sources said that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s commitment to cow protection is well established. "During his first term, he enforced strict bans on cow smuggling and illegal slaughterhouses, while also spearheading the construction of numerous shelters for stray and abandoned cattle," they said. Sources said that to integrate cow shelters into the natural farming ecosystem, more than 7,700 gaushalas have been set up, housing approximately 12.5 lakh destitute cattle. "Besides, under the CM Sahyog Yojana, 1.62 lakh cows have been distributed to about 1 lakh beneficiaries, each receiving Rs 1,500 per month for their care," they said. Sources said that to make these shelters self-reliant, vermi compost units will be installed in collaboration with the Agriculture Department. "Training programmes will be conducted to teach proper techniques for processing cow dung and urine, producing high-quality fodder and enhancing its nutritional value for long-term storage," they said. Sources said that the UP government consistently encourages cattle rearers to raise Indigenous cows, with a focus on conservation, promotion and boosting milk production from 25 native breeds. "In line with this vision, the government is set to launch the 'Nandani Krishak Samridhi Yojana', under which cattle rearers will receive a 50 percent subsidy on bank loans," they said. Sources said that the Yogi government views natural farming as a holistic solution that delivers sustainable and lasting improvements for soil health, food quality and environmental balance. "In keeping with this commitment, the government is taking comprehensive steps to protect stray cattle and integrate them into the natural farming ecosystem," they said...////...