VARANASI, July 12 -- The agriculture and horticulture departments of Varanasi have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Ahmedabad-based Banshi Gir Gaushala to promote cow-based natural farming in the district. The one-year pilot project will be carried out on around 100 acres of farmland with the participation of selected farmers. The MoU was signed on July 7 in the presence of divisional commissioner S Rajalingam, district magistrate Satyendra Kumar and chief development officer (CDO) Prakhar Kumar Singh. Deputy director of agriculture Amit Jaiswal, district horticulture officer Subhash Kumar and Banshi Gir Gaushala founder Gopalbhai Sutariya signed the agreement. Under the project, scientific trials of the cow-based natural farming product 'Go Kripa Amrutam' will be conducted on about 100 acres. The initiative aims to promote sustainable farming, improve soil health and increase farmers' income through scientific evaluation. Rajalingam said the project would help develop a sustainable farming model in the district. He said selected progressive farmers would take part in the pilot project, which would include demonstrations. District magistrate Satyendra Kumar said participating farmers would receive regular technical guidance, training and weekly field monitoring....