Natural farming, a practice that emphasizes sustainable agricultural methods, is being championed as a game-changer for farmers and the environment. Recently, Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat called upon farmers to embrace natural farming, highlighting its benefits in reducing production costs, enhancing soil fertility, and safeguarding the environment. His advocacy aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi바카라s vision of a prosperous and sustainable agricultural future, supported by the National Mission for Natural Farming (NMNF).
What is Natural Farming?
Natural farming is a technique that eliminates the need for external inputs like chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Instead, it relies on natural resources such as cow dung and urine to enrich the soil. This method is distinct from organic farming, which often involves using organic inputs sourced externally.
As Governor Devvrat explained, 바카라Organic farming and natural farming are completely different. In natural farming, there is no need to bring inputs from outside, the cost is almost negligible, the production will not be less. In organic farming, if inputs are brought from outside, then the production is not complete, the cost is also not less, the hard work also does not reduce.바카라
Natural farming not only reduces the cost of cultivation but also maintains or even improves crop yields. It바카라s a method that prioritizes soil health, water conservation, and environmental sustainability.
The National Mission for Natural Farming (NMNF)
Launched by the Union Cabinet under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the NMNF is a standalone centrally sponsored scheme aimed at promoting natural farming across India. With an outlay of ₹2,481 crore, the mission is a part of the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers바카라 Welfare. Governor Devvrat praised the Prime Minister바카라s vision:
바카라(Prime Minister Narendra Modi) has a very clear idea about natural farming that we have to save Mother Earth, save the environment, keep people healthy and keep the path of prosperity open for farmers. He is clear about this and worries about farmers all the time.바카라
The mission encourages farmers to adopt sustainable agricultural practices, ensuring long-term benefits for their land and future generations.
The Environmental and Economic Benefits
Natural farming addresses several pressing agricultural and environmental challenges. Decades of chemical-intensive farming have degraded soil quality, depleted groundwater, and introduced harmful toxins into the food chain. Governor Devvrat pointed out:
바카라When MS Swaminathan launched the 바카라Green Revolution바카라 in the 1960s, the soil organic carbon content in the country was 2 to 2.5 per cent, which has today come below 0.5 per cent after the extensive use of urea, DAP, and pesticides.바카라
Excessive use of chemical inputs has led to barren lands, higher production costs, and diminishing yields. This scenario has also contributed to groundwater depletion and health issues due to the presence of toxins in food. Devvrat warned:
바카라We are taking slow poison in our food. This leads to weakening of organs and our capacity to fight diseases.바카라
Natural farming offers a solution by:
Restoring soil health through organic matter.
Reducing the dependency on groundwater by enhancing soil moisture retention.
Lowering the cost of farming, making it economically viable for small farmers.
Gujarat바카라s Role in Promoting Natural Farming
Under Governor Devvrat바카라s guidance, Gujarat has become a frontrunner in implementing natural farming practices. The state government has set ambitious targets to train farmers and expand the reach of NMNF. Acharya Devvrat personally collaborated with the state바카라s agriculture minister and senior officials to ensure rigorous farmer training programs, 바카라We sat down with the state agriculture minister and senior officials to work day and night and conduct the training of natural farming for the farmers continuously,바카라 he said.
These efforts have already borne fruit, with lakhs of farmers in Gujarat adopting natural farming. Both PM Modi and Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah have played pivotal roles in inspiring farmers to embrace this method, further bolstering the campaign in Gujarat.
Involving Students and Youth in Natural Farming
As the Chancellor of Gujarat Vidyapith, a university founded by Mahatma Gandhi, Governor Devvrat has involved students in spreading awareness about natural farming. The university바카라s traditional 바카라gram jeevan yatra바카라 has been transformed into a practical initiative:
바카라The 1,400 sons and daughters who study there were taught natural farming for six days. Thereafter, these students spread out to 14,000 villages in six days to work on the theme of 바카라natural farming바카라.바카라
Through this initiative, students not only learn about sustainable agricultural practices but also connect with India바카라s cultural and agricultural heritage. Devvrat emphasized:
바카라There is a continuous effort to connect children with the Indian culture, civilization, tradition, family life and the thoughts given by our ancestors, and to become a part of development of the nation.바카라
A Call to Action for Farmers
Governor Devvrat바카라s message to farmers is clear and urgent. He urged them to transition to natural farming for the benefit of future generations, the environment, and their own prosperity:
바카라Therefore, I would request the farmers of India to return to natural farming and join the PM바카라s mission so that you can contribute to the development and progress of this nation and society and you yourself also get benefited.바카라
By adopting natural farming, farmers can:
Ensure fertile land for future generations.
Conserve underground water resources.
Improve air quality and public health.
Achieve economic prosperity by reducing input costs.
The Road Ahead
Natural farming represents a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to chemical-intensive agriculture. With initiatives like the NMNF and the proactive efforts of leaders like Governor Acharya Devvrat, this method is gaining momentum across India. As more farmers adopt natural farming, it has the potential to transform agriculture into an environmentally friendly and economically sustainable sector.
In the words of Governor Devvrat, natural farming is not just an agricultural practice but a movement towards a healthier, more prosperous, and sustainable future for India and its farmers.