Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Governor Acharya Devvrat today held a virtual meeting with officers of all 33 districts in the state in order to discuss natural farming schema and its progress. The two leaders talked with the Collectors and District Development officers to gauge how the scheme is being executed on every level. The conference was also attended by all the district agriculture officers, district animal husbandry officers and other concerned officials.
During the conference, Devvrat, who is known for his passion for agriculture, offered guidance to the officials and explained to them the importance of natural farming. He said that with result oriented efforts of Gujarat government and hardwork of the farmers, the campaign of natural agriculture has reached to rural regions as well. He congratulated CM Patel for the state-government’s efforts that are leading the natural agriculture mission towards the path of success. He said that natural agriculture is a divine act for the protection of health of the people and so everyone should be dedicated to this mission.
CM Patel said, “Chemical agriculture pollutes water, land and the environment. All the officials of the administration should be committed to making Gujarat a role model of natural agriculture for the country. This mission will help free the land of Gujarat from the toxins of chemical agriculture.”
Furthermore, he said that chemical agriculture accounts for 24% of the problem of global warming. People are suffering from incurable diseases because of consuming foods that are contaminated with chemicals. The central government bears an economic burden of Rs 1,60,000 crore due to subsidies behind chemical fertilizers. Due to the indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, the organic carbon of the soil is declining day by day and the soil is becoming barren. As agricultural costs continue to rise and production declines, so does the economic situation of farmers.
Devvrat said that natural agriculture is a strong alternative to chemical agriculture and the added that the cost of natural agriculture is negligible. This way of farming also protects water, land and environment. Indigenous cows should be reared. This would cut down water consumption by up to 50%.
As the world becomes aware of the harmful effects of chemical agriculture, demand for natural agricultural products is increasing every day. This has led to farmers gaining better financial benefits. Natural agriculture increases soil fertility and does not reduce productivity.
Devvrat said that all farmers in the districts should be encouraged to take up natural farming. He said those who were raising indigenous cow and getting the RS500 per month assistance, should be contacted and urged to take up natural farming as well. These farmers must be provided proper training and assistance as well.
At the outset of the video conference, Agriculture Minister Raghavjibhai Patel said that natural agriculture in the state is being continuously promoted under Governor Devvrat’s guidance. So far, 244,000 farmers have been mentored. The government has also allocated Rs213 crore for indigenous cow based farming and Rs31 crore for Dang district.
Chief Secretary Pankaj Kumar assured that all the district administrators would heed the call made by the Governor and the Chief Minister to expand the scope of natural agriculture. Additional Chief Secretary for Agricultural Cooperation Mukesh Puri clarified the purpose of the seminar and welcomed all.
