Global situation calls for lower fertiliser use and natural farming: Gujarat CM
Gandhinagar, June 2
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Tuesday urged newly recruited agriculture personnel to help farmers reduce dependence on chemical fertilisers and adopt natural farming, saying the current global situation had underscored the need for greater self-reliance in agriculture.
Speaking at an appointment letter distribution ceremony in Gandhinagar, Patel told newly selected Agricultural Assistants that they had been given an opportunity to contribute to healthier lives and sustainable farming practices by guiding farmers towards reduced fertiliser use and natural cultivation methods.
The programme was organised by the State Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department.
While appointment letters were ceremonially handed over to 21 candidates at the event, a total of 415 Agricultural Assistant candidates across Gujarat received their appointment letters via email.
Referring to concerns over fertiliser availability and imports, Patel said: "Prime Minister Modi had called for reducing dependence on imported fertilisers, promoting natural farming and achieving long-term self-reliance."
He said it would be the responsibility of the newly appointed recruits to take that message to farmers across the state.
Addressing the recruits at the start of their careers, the Chief Minister urged them to embrace innovation in their work, make effective use of technology, and continuously upgrade their skills to better assist farmers.
He also called on them to provide guidance and support to farmers, whom he described as one of the key pillars in the vision of a developed India.
Agriculture Minister Jitu Vaghani congratulated the successful candidates and said the recruitment process reflected the state government's policy of transparency, with candidates entering public service on the basis of merit and hard work.
Describing the recruits as "Karmayogis", Vaghani said: "Agriculture remained the foundation of the country's economy and joining the department offered an opportunity to serve farmers directly."
He urged them to ensure that the benefits of government welfare schemes reached farmers in even the most remote areas.
Highlighting what he termed the need of the hour, Vaghani said: "Indiscriminate use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides must be curbed to protect soil health."
He encouraged the newly appointed Agricultural Assistants to create awareness among farmers and counsel them towards natural farming practices.
Agriculture Additional Chief Secretary R.C. Meena welcomed the recruits and outlined the recruitment process, while senior officials of the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department and the Directorate of Agriculture also attended the ceremony.
— IANS
Reader Comments
While I appreciate the sentiment, let's be realistic. Our farmers are already struggling with low yields. Natural farming requires time and knowledge that most small farmers don't have. The government should provide subsidies and training first before asking them to reduce fertiliser use. Just appointing 415 assistants won't solve the ground reality.
Finally, someone is talking about sustainable agriculture! The global situation with fertiliser prices has been crazy. I remember my nani's farm in Gujarat - they used organic methods and the vegetables tasted so much better. Proud of our CM for thinking long-term. Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan! 🇮🇳
As someone who works in agri-tech, this is a complex but necessary transition. India's soil health index has been declining for decades due to overuse of urea. The key will be how these agricultural assistants are trained and whether farmers get access to affordable organic alternatives like vermicompost and neem-based products. Good intentions, but execution matters.
I hope these agricultural assistants don't just become another layer of bureaucracy. Our farmers need practical solutions, not just lectures. The government should also look at providing market linkages for organic produce. What's the point of growing chemical-free food if nobody buys it at a fair price? 🤔
This is exactly what we need - moving away from the Green Revolution model that prioritised quantity over quality. The Punjab experience with over-fertilisation should be a lesson for all states. Younger generation of farmers is more open to innovation. If properly implemented, this could be a game-changer for Indian agriculture. Well done, Gujarat
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