On March 15, 2024, at the Raj Bhavan in Gandhinagar, Governor Acharya Devvrat of Gujarat hosted a significant meeting with Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat, the Minister of Health, Education, and Cooperation from Uttarakhand. The primary focus was on the promotion and expansion of natural farming techniques that have shown promising results in Gujarat and the potential for replicating this success in Uttarakhand’s diverse agro-climatic zones.
5 Key Benefits of Natural Farming in Gujarat
- Increased Farmer Income: Farmers in districts like Anand, Vadodara, and Bhavnagar report earnings exceeding ₹5 lakh per acre annually through natural farming practices, according to data from the Gujarat State Agricultural Department.
- Soil Health Improvement: Long-term natural farming has led to a 30% increase in soil organic carbon content in regions such as Kheda and Panchmahal, as per the Gujarat Agricultural University research report 2023.
- Reduction in Input Costs: Natural farming eliminates the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, reducing input costs by approximately 60% compared to conventional farming methods.
- Enhanced Crop Resilience: Crops grown under natural farming in Gujarat’s Saurashtra region have exhibited better resistance to drought and pest attacks, helping mitigate climate stress.
- Health Benefits: The method promotes organic produce free from harmful chemicals, aligning with increasing consumer demand in urban centers like Ahmedabad and Surat to avoid diseases like cancer and heart ailments.
3 Categories of Farmers Eligible for Support
The Gujarat government, through the Directorate of Agriculture and the Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) spread across districts such as Mehsana, Sabarkantha, and Vadodara, provides assistance under the Natural Farming Promotion Scheme. Eligibility includes:
- Small and Marginal Farmers: Holding less than 2 hectares, registered with local Taluka Agriculture offices.
- Cooperative Farming Groups: Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and cooperatives engaged in collective agriculture in districts like Rajkot and Jamnagar.
- New Adopters: Farmers transitioning from conventional to natural farming, with preference given to those in drought-prone areas of Kutch and Banaskantha.
6 Essential Documents Required for Application
- Copy of land ownership or lease documents, verified by the Taluka Revenue Office.
- Valid Aadhaar Card for identification and beneficiary verification.
- Bank passbook or cancelled cheque for direct benefit transfer (DBT).
- Photograph of the applicant and the farm plot.
- Certificate of registration
- Application form duly filled and signed, obtainable from the local Agriculture Extension Office or the Gujarat Agriculture Department website (https://agri.gujarat.gov.in).
7-Step Application Process for Gujarat Natural Farming Scheme
- Visit the local Taluka Agriculture Office or access the official Gujarat Agriculture Department portal.
- Collect and fill out the Natural Farming Promotion Scheme application form.
- Attach all required documents listed above, ensuring they are self-attested.
- Submit the application online via the portal or in person at the Agriculture Extension Center.
- Undergo an on-site inspection by agriculture officers to verify farm eligibility and readiness for natural farming methods.
- Receive approval and training schedule notification from the Gujarat State Agriculture Department.
- Begin implementation of natural farming practices with government support, including seed distribution and technical guidance.
Important Dates: Application Deadlines and Training Sessions
- Application Deadline: June 30, 2024, for the upcoming Kharif season in Gujarat and Uttarakhand.
- Training Workshops: Scheduled from July 15 to August 15, 2024, across district agricultural universities including Anand Agricultural University and Navsari Agricultural University.
- Field Demonstrations: August to November 2024, coordinated by the Krishi Vigyan Kendras in Surat, Vadodara, and Sabarkantha.
Why Natural Farming Matters for Gujarat and Uttarakhand
Gujarat, with its extensive coastline and arid districts like Kutch and Banaskantha, faces unique agricultural challenges including soil salinity and irregular rainfall. The adoption of natural farming techniques has empowered farmers to combat these issues sustainably. Governor Devvrat emphasized that such methods reduce dependency on costly chemical inputs and improve farmers’ health and economic security.
Similarly, Uttarakhand’s hilly terrain presents constraints for mechanized agriculture, making natural farming an ideal, low-impact alternative. Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat highlighted that expanding cooperative natural farming could boost rural livelihoods in Uttarakhand’s districts like Dehradun, Nainital, and Almora.
This inter-state collaboration aims to exchange best practices and encourage policy support. Gujarat’s experience, especially in districts such as Anand and Vadodara where farmers have demonstrated substantial income gains, serves as a model for Uttarakhand’s emerging natural farming initiatives.
The meeting also discussed educational outreach, integrating natural farming principles into local agricultural institutes and farmer training programs. Both leaders acknowledged the importance of raising farmer awareness about the distinctions between natural and organic farming, ensuring adoption of truly sustainable methods.
Governor Devvrat’s ongoing engagement with various stakeholders is evident from recent events such as the meeting with motivational speaker Bhavika Maheshwari and the visit to Kirti Mandir in Porbandar. These activities underline his commitment to holistic development inclusive of agriculture and rural welfare.
Natural farming stands as a cornerstone for Gujarat’s agricultural future, with potential ripple effects across the nation. This partnership between Gujarat and Uttarakhand exemplifies how states can collaborate to enhance sustainable agricultural practices, improve farmer incomes, and protect the environment.
Next Steps for Interested Farmers:
- Contact your nearest Taluka Agriculture Office or visit https://agri.gujarat.gov.in to obtain application forms and guidelines.
- Prepare and submit necessary documents before the June 30, 2024 deadline.
- Attend scheduled training sessions for hands-on knowledge and government support.