More than 50% of the total available land in Gujarat is used for agricultural purposes. The state is divided into 7 sub agro-climatic zones. Gujarat is endowed with abundant natural resources, in terms of different kinds of soil, climatic conditions and diversified cropping patterns. The state is the main producer of tobacco, cotton, groundnut, rice, wheat, jowar, bajra, maize, tur, and gram.
Schemes for promoting Natural Farming
In Budget 2020–21, special financial assistance was announced for promoting Natural Farming practices under the Gujarat Atma Nirbhar package. Further, on 17 September 2020, two schemes were launched—Sat Pagla Khedut Kalyanna and Pagala for Natural Farming—by the Governor of Gujarat Shri Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Shri Vijaybhai Rupani. During the launch, sanction letters were issued to beneficiaries. About 26,957 farmers participated in the launch event.
Details of Scheme 1: Rs 900 monthly subsidy for the maintenance cost of one cow to a farming family practising Natural Farming.
Details of Scheme 2: Provision of Rs 1248 subsidy to farmers for purchase of a Natural Farming kit to prepare Jivamrit.
Natural Farming practices have been extended across different agricultural zones of Gujarat.
Major Events
- On 4 September 2019, the state government organized a mega event for the adoption of Natural Farming at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar, for 10,000 farmers. The event was inaugurated by the Governor of Gujarat Shri Acharya Devvrat, NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Dr Rajiv Kumar and Shri Subhash Palekar.
2. Preparation of Master Trainer programme: Under this, total 21861 Master Trainers were trained.
3. On 5 December 2019, the Gujarat agricultural department inaugurated the Subhash Palekar Prakrutik Krushi Talim Karyashala in Vadtal, Gujarat. The event was inaugurated by the Governor and Chief Minister of the state, the Minister of State (Agriculture), and Subhash Palekar.
4. A Natural Farming website, પ્રાકૃતિક કૃષિ અભિયાન, was launched by the Governor and Chief Minister of the state.
5. Subhash Palekar provides daily classroom training to educate farmers about the benefits of Natural Farming. Also, farmers can access training sessions through the electronic media (E-Gram Centres: 136536; Youtube:11014; Facebook: 6918; and DD Free Dish).
6. During the last two years, farmers have started forming SHGs for furthering the movement.
7. Government institutions such as ATMA, KVKs and line departments are closely involved, and provide much-needed support to the movement.
8. Currently, around 3000 farmers are practising Natural Farming across 5000 acres in the state.
