Natural Farming is the Only Solution to Maintain Soil Fertility: CM Patel

Gandhinagar : Officers and employees from all divisions of the Gujarat Agriculture Department will actively participate in training farmers on natural farming practices. Today, at Raj Bhavan in Gandhinagar, Governor Shri Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, and Agriculture Minister Shri Raghavji Patel directed all Agriculture Department officers to join the mission of expanding natural farming. During the ‘Prakrutik Krushi Parisamvaad’ (Natural Farming Dialogue) held at Maharshi Dayanand Hall, Raj Bhavan, Governor Shri Acharya Devvrat emphasized that natural farming is now the country’s most pressing need. He reflected on the post-independence era when agricultural scientists advised applying 13 kg of nitrogen per hectare for food self-sufficiency. In contrast, current practices involve applying 13 sacks of chemical fertilizers per acre. The increased use of urea, DAP, and pesticides has corresponded with a rise in serious diseases. Governor Devvrat stressed that merely increasing chemical fertilizer use will not boost production; instead, enhancing soil fertility through natural farming is essential.

The Governor noted that presently, 971,270 farmers in Gujarat are engaged in natural farming across 792,989 acres. He called for a concerted effort to increase this number to 10 lakh farmers within the next year, adopting a ‘missionary mode.’ Training is crucial for motivating and encouraging farmers to embrace natural farming. He urged all Agriculture Department officers and agricultural scientists from state universities to collaborate in this endeavor. Governor Shri Acharya Devvrat provided extensive training on natural farming to all officers. He also mentioned that under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the entire country is eager to learn about and adopt natural farming, and Gujarat should lead the way. During the Governors’ Conference held at Rashtrapati Bhavan at the beginning of August, natural farming was a major topic of discussion. Additionally, President Smt. Droupadi Murmu requested all governors to adopt the Gujarat model to expand the reach of natural farming. He asked, will we leave barren land for our children? Will we leave them with polluted air and water? Will we leave everyone with serious diseases? Will we leave farmers drowning in debt? If we want to change this situation, it is imperative to adopt natural farming. Natural farming is the only option that will solve all these problems. He urged farmers to start natural farming on even a small portion of their land.

Addressing the state’s agricultural experts, Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel said that natural farming is a mission of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and also a mission of the Gujarat government. He said that it is our goal for every farmer in Gujarat to adopt natural farming methods, leaving chemical farming behind, and this requires collective efforts. He emphasized the need to work in mission mode for natural farming. The results of scientific research are highly encouraging, so every farmer must adopt natural farming methods as soon as possible. Today, soil fertility is declining, and land is becoming barren. Without natural farming, there is no other option to save the land. Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel observed that the provision of 24-hour electricity to villages, once considered unattainable, was achieved through the determined efforts of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The Prime Minister’s current objective is to extend the practice of natural farming nationwide, and India is progressing towards this goal. Under the leadership of Governor Shri Acharya Devvrat, Gujarat has emerged as a leader in natural farming. The Chief Minister expressed confidence that, under the Governor’s guidance, Gujarat will continue to serve as a model for other states in adopting natural farming practices.

Agriculture Minister Shri Raghavji Patel mentioned that the Agriculture Department is making result-oriented efforts to expand the reach of natural farming. The area under natural farming is increasing, resulting in a reduction in the use of chemical fertilizers in Gujarat last year. Under the leadership of Governor Shri Acharya Devvrat and the guidance of Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, the reach of natural farming is expanding in Gujarat. Through traditional fairs, agricultural fairs, and other efforts, farmers are being informed about natural farming. The central government has set a target in the Union Budget to connect 1 Crore farmers with natural farming across the country. The country’s first Natural Farming Science University, dedicated to education in natural farming, is operational in Halol-Panchmahal, Gujarat. The Minister expressed hope that more and more farmers will adopt natural farming in the coming times.

In this discussion, Minister of State for Agriculture Shri Bachubhai Khabad, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare Shri Sandeep Kumar, Joint Secretary Shri P.D. Palsana, Vice Chancellors of State Agricultural Universities, Directors of Agriculture-related departments, officers of the Agriculture Department, ATMA officers, officers from the Animal Husbandry and Horticulture Departments, agricultural scientists from Krishi Vigyan Kendras, and district coordinators of natural farming were present. During the event, the annual report of the first year’s activities of the Natural Farming Science University was released by Governor Shri Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel. Agricultural experts shared their experiences regarding natural farming in the dialogue.

Source: Information Department, Gujarat