Advancements in Natural Farming Practices in Gujarat
Natural farming is gaining momentum in India as a sustainable agricultural practice. Recently, the Governor of Gujarat, Shri Acharya Devarat ji, highlighted its importance during the inauguration of a national workshop on natural farming. This two-day event, organized by the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, took place at the Gujarat Natural Farming Science University in Halol. The Governor emphasized that natural farming practices acknowledge the interdependence between the ecosystem and human needs. He pointed out that these practices enhance soil health, restore ecosystems, and reduce farmers’ reliance on external markets. Furthermore, natural farming lowers input costs, increases climate resilience, and ultimately provides safe and healthy food for future generations.
The workshop brought together experts, farmers, and students to discuss the benefits and implementation of natural farming. This initiative is part of a broader effort to promote sustainable agricultural practices across India. The focus is on creating a healthier environment and improving the livelihoods of farmers. As the country faces challenges like climate change and soil degradation, natural farming offers a viable solution to ensure food security and environmental sustainability.
National Mission on Natural Farming
The National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) is a significant initiative launched by the Government of India. Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, presided over the workshop and discussed the mission’s objectives. Approved in 2025, the NMNF aims to scientifically strengthen agricultural practices by involving farmers, scientists, and institutions with experience in natural farming. This mission is inspired by farmers and communities who have practiced natural farming for decades.
The NMNF seeks to implement hands-on training programs for farmers and agricultural scientists. It aims to cover an area of 7.5 lakh hectares and establish 10,000 Bio-Input Resource Centers across 15,000 clusters in all states and Union Territories. The mission plans to train 18.75 lakh farmers, who will then reach out to one crore additional farmers. This approach emphasizes practical learning and community involvement, ensuring that the knowledge gained is effectively disseminated throughout the agricultural sector.
Workshop Highlights and Participation
The national workshop on natural farming attracted a diverse group of participants. Ninety resource persons from seven Centres of Natural Farming (CoNFs) across various states attended the event. These states included Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, Jammu & Kashmir, and West Bengal. The Gujarat Natural Farming Science University, the host institution, is one of the identified CoNFs for the NMNF mission.
In addition to the resource persons, ten local farmers practicing natural farming from Gujarat participated in the workshop. The event also saw the involvement of 52 students and professors from the host university. Notable attendees included Dr. Anju Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary (Agriculture) of the Government of Gujarat, and several officials from the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare. This gathering of experts and practitioners underscores the collaborative effort needed to promote natural farming practices effectively.
Future of Natural Farming in India
The two-day workshop marks the beginning of a series of training activities under the National Mission on Natural Farming. The resource persons were encouraged to become ambassadors for this historic mission, which aims to transform the Indian agricultural system towards sustainability. The NMNF’s focus on natural farming practices is expected to lead to a paradigm shift in how agriculture is approached in India.
As the government reinforces its commitment to rejuvenating soil, water, and environmental health, the NMNF stands as a beacon of hope for farmers. By promoting natural farming, the initiative aims to improve farmers’ livelihoods while ensuring safe and healthy food for the population. The success of this mission will depend on the active participation of farmers, scientists, and institutions working together to implement sustainable practices. The future of agriculture in India may very well hinge on the principles of natural farming, making this mission a crucial step towards a more sustainable and resilient agricultural landscape.
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