Natural farming key in protecting future generations: Gujarat CM
Gandhinagar, July 18
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Saturday said natural farming is the most sustainable way to restore soil health and safeguard future generations, as he visited two natural farming model farms in Gandhinagar district to interact directly with farmers and understand their practices.
The Chief Minister visited the natural farming farm of Alpesh Patel in Mahundra village of Gandhinagar taluka, where he observed cultivation methods based on cow-derived inputs and took a close look at cattle management at the farm's gaushala.
He later visited the model farm of farmer Shantilal Patel at Shivpura Kampa.
Adopting an on-ground outreach approach to promote Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Back to Basics" vision, Patel held an informal interaction with villagers and farmers while seated on a traditional charpoi in Mahundra village.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said natural farming offered the only sustainable path for the health of both people and the environment.
"Natural farming is the only way to safeguard future generations," he said, adding that reducing the excessive use of chemical fertilisers would help protect people from serious diseases while improving the health of both the soil and society.
Expressing concern over declining soil quality, Patel said carbon levels in agricultural land had fallen to an alarming level.
"Natural farming is the only strong solution to improve the health of both the soil and the human body," he said, urging every citizen to take responsibility for conserving natural resources.
Highlighting water conservation initiatives, the Chief Minister referred to the nationwide Amrit Sarovar and Khet Talavadi campaigns inspired by the Prime Minister to address water scarcity and irregular rainfall.
"Under the Sujalam Sufalam scheme, the state government had increased the permissible distance for filling lakes from three kilometres to seven kilometres, expanding the scope of water conservation efforts," he noted.
Patel also referred to the hydrogen train launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, saying that "as the world moves towards green energy, India would also emerge as a leader in the sector".
Calling for environmentally responsible lifestyle choices, he urged people to replace plastic bags with paper bags for carrying vegetables and other goods.
He said the state government remained committed to balanced development by giving equal importance to industrial growth and environmental protection.
During the interaction, farmers practising natural farming shared their experiences of chemical-free cultivation and encouraged others to adopt the method.
They also acknowledged the support and guidance provided by agricultural scientists and officials of the Agriculture Department.
Agriculture Department Principal Secretary R. C. Meena, In-charge Collector J. S. Prajapati, District Development Officer Hasrat Jasmin, District Agriculture Officer Shashikant Patel, District Horticulture Officer Hetalben, ATMA Project Director Varmora, local leaders, and a large number of farmers and villagers were present during the visit.
— IANS
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