Gandhinagar, February 27: In a powerful call to action at a state-level seminar on the National Natural Farming Mission held in the Gujarat Legislative Assembly premises, Governor Acharya Devvrat declared natural farming as the ultimate solution for protecting soil, water, environment, and public health.
Presiding over the event, the Governor was joined by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Assembly Speaker Shankar Chaudhary, and Gujarat BJP President Jagdish Vishwakarma. The seminar coincided with a vibrant natural farming fair, where the Governor and Chief Minister toured stalls set up by experts before the formal proceedings began.
Addressing lawmakers and participants, Governor Devvrat emphasized that natural farming stands out as the most effective way to safeguard water resources, soil fertility, ecological balance, and human well-being. He expressed delight that such a critical issue was being discussed in the hallowed halls of the assembly.
Distinguishing between organic and natural farming, he noted that organic methods require around 300 quintals of cow dung manure per acre, whereas natural farming harnesses microbial life. ‘A single gram of indigenous cow dung contains over 300 crore microorganisms, and cow urine is a treasure trove of minerals,’ he explained.
Through preparations like Jeevamrut and Ghan Jeevamrut, earthworms and beneficial insects multiply, naturally enriching the soil, the Governor added.
Expressing deep concern over public health, he recalled how diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart conditions were rare decades ago, but now even young children are affected. Citing research, he revealed that mother’s milk, once considered nectar for newborns, now contains urea and pesticides.
On soil degradation, he highlighted that during the Green Revolution, soil organic carbon levels hovered between 2-2.5 percent, but today many areas have dropped below 0.5 percent, rendering land barren. In Gujarat, chemically farmed soils have hardened, reducing water infiltration during rains.
Natural farming counters this by promoting earthworms that create pores for better water retention, he asserted, urging a shift to sustainable practices for a healthier future.