The minister was chairing the In-Session meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee Meeting of the agriculture minister in New Delhi.

Introducing the subject of "organic farming" in the form of presentation during the meeting, additional secretary, ministry of agriculture said that the total organic production in the country is 1.24 million tonnes, while total area under organic farming constitutes 0.723 million hectare under certification.

Presently, it is being practiced mainly in 12 states and two states of North East namely Sikkim and Mizoram are likely to become fully organic in a few years.

Minister of states for agricultures, Dr Sanjeev Kumar Balyan and Mohanbhai Kundaria was also present at the meeting.

Participating in the discussion, MP, Rodmal Nagar highlighted the need for developing collection centre laboratory for cow dung and urine, for creating organic manure/gas which will be a source of income for farmers.

In reply to this suggestion, Mr Singh said that there is a provision for assistance to farmers under the National Gokul Mission.

However, the states have to take initiative in this regard. So, far, one proposal from Madhya Pradesh has been received.

Member of Parliament, Sumedhanand Saraswati suggested that government should make continuous effort towards creating awareness about organic farming at the block level through various initiatives like exhibition, presentation in villages and indicated the need to create awareness among farmers about labs and marketing of organic farming products.

On this, Mr Singh said, asked ministry officials to circulate full details of six regional centres of organic farming to all members of parliament so that they may utilise the services of these centres for training purpose to farmers particularly for villages selected under Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana.

Mr Singh assured the members of the committee that all necessary efforts will be made by ministry towards their suggestions, which, inter-alia, included simplication of certification process of organic farming, encouraging research on organic farming in Krishi Vigyan Kendras, Agriculture Universities, ICAR and proper utilisation of crop residue.