Union Minister Promotes Natural Farming Under ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ in Gujarat

As part of the nationwide “Khet Bachao Abhiyan” being conducted from June 1 to 30, 2026, Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Bhagirath Chaudhary visited Chanduvav village in Veraval taluka of Gir-Somnath district, Gujarat, to interact with farmers and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

The farmer awareness programme, held at Ahir Samaj Wadi, was jointly organized by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Ambujanagar, Kodinar, and the Department of Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Cooperation, Gir-Somnath district. The event brought together farmers, scientists, agricultural experts, and policymakers to discuss innovative and eco-friendly farming methods.

Addressing the gathering, Chaudhary emphasized the importance of adopting natural farming techniques to ensure long-term soil health, environmental sustainability, and reduced dependence on chemical inputs. He encouraged farmers to gradually decrease the use of chemical fertilizers such as urea and DAP and instead adopt alternatives including green manuring, Nano Urea, Nano DAP, and bio-fertilizers.

The minister highlighted that natural farming can help improve soil fertility, lower cultivation costs, and contribute to sustainable agricultural growth. He urged farmers to take advantage of government initiatives designed to support environmentally friendly farming practices.

During the programme, local leaders, including MLA Bhagabhai Barad and former MLA Rajshibhai Jotwa, stressed the importance of farmer awareness and participation in government schemes. They encouraged cultivators to benefit from programmes related to natural farming, soil health management, and the PM-Kisan scheme to enhance productivity and income.

Scientists and experts from Junagadh Agricultural University, along with officials from agricultural institutions, interacted with farmers on topics such as Farmer ID registration, Soil Health Cards, natural farming certification procedures, and climate-resilient agricultural technologies. Discussions also focused on integrated farming systems and sustainable crop production practices.

The event featured live demonstrations and exhibitions showcasing products produced through natural farming methods. Stalls displaying new-generation fertilizers were set up by industry representatives, while agricultural experts demonstrated the preparation of Jeevamrut, a natural farming input widely used to improve soil health.

Scientists from research institutions, including ICAR-CIFT and ICAR-CMFRI, participated in technical sessions and provided guidance on climate-smart agriculture and resource-efficient farming methods.

The programme served as an important platform for knowledge exchange between farmers and experts. Around 100 farmers attended the event, gaining practical insights into sustainable agriculture and natural farming technologies aimed at improving farm productivity while conserving natural resources.