Governor guides Bharuch farmers to adopt natural farming

Governor Shri Acharya Devvratji provided guidance to farmers regarding natural farming at a natural agriculture dialogue organized in Juna Borbhata village of Bharuch district. Stalls were set up for the sale of natural agricultural products during this program organized by the Bharuch district administration. The Governor visited the stalls and interacted with the farmers. Successful farmers who have inspired others through natural farming were honoured, while progressive farmers presented their experiences.

The Governor stated that deadly diseases are increasing due to the spread of chemical farming, and the indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers and toxic pesticides has made the land barren. He said that natural agriculture is the need of the hour for higher production at lower costs and a healthy society. Citing a study, he mentioned that in a test of milk from 105 mothers, traces of urea and pesticides were found in everyone's milk. According to him, the poison from chemical fertilizers used in fields enters the human body through grains and fruits, and even 10-year-old children are falling victim to diseases like cancer and diabetes.

Dismissing the belief that production decreases, the Governor said that more than 8 lakh farmers in Gujarat have turned towards natural farming and the fear of declining production is a rumour. He mentioned that in the Gurukul of Kurukshetra, natural farming is being practiced on 180 acres of land without using even a single drop of urea or DAP. He expressed joy that more than 22,000 farmers in Bharuch district are adopting this type of farming.

The Governor called upon the farmers to involve other farmers from their villages in the campaign and to adopt desi cow-based natural farming. According to him, such farming will help in improving the groundwater level of the earth, saving animals and birds, and providing a healthy life to the coming generation. He appealed to work in alignment with the natural agriculture campaign started by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi across the country to make India poison-free, healthy, and prosperous.

State Minister for Water Supply Shri Ishwarsinh Patel stated that the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides is increasing the risk of serious diseases like cancer, heart disease, and kidney ailments. He said that to resolve this problem, the Governor has started a 'mahayagna' of natural farming. He also mentioned that under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel, the state government is committed to the welfare of farmers.

District Collector Dr. Navnath Gavhane stated that 180 clusters have been prepared for natural farming in the district and 360 Krishi Sakhi/Kisan Mitras have been appointed. Currently, 22,500 farmers have been equipped for natural farming. Last year, 55 Bio Resource Centres and 323 model farms were prepared; this year, plans are in place to create 13 more centres and 73 new model farms. So far, more than 1 lakh farmers have been guided and 23,653 hectares of land have been covered under natural farming.

On this occasion, the Governor interacted with Krishi Sakhi and Kisan Mitra-CRP and encouraged them to expand the scope of natural farming. The program was attended by MLAs Shri Remshabhai Mistri, Shri Riteshbhai Vasava, Ankleshwar Taluka Panchayat President Shri Vivekbhai Faridivala, District Development Officer Shri Yogesh Kapse, along with other dignitaries, officials, farmers, and citizens.