A woman farmer in Gujarat’s Tapi district has experienced a significant boost in income by transitioning to zero-budget natural farming and growing multiple crops without chemicals. Arvinda Gamit, hailing from Singpur village in Songadh taluka, embraced natural farming on one acre of land with support from Krishi Vigyan Kendra and the government’s Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) initiative. Cultivating 22 different crops using eco-friendly methods like Jeevamrut and Beejamrit, she has shifted away from chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
Gamit emphasized the health risks associated with traditional practices, stating that chemical farming poses serious health threats, including the risk of diseases like cancer. By adopting natural farming, she has managed to cut down expenses while sustaining and enhancing productivity. Notably, she achieved a remarkable feat by producing two tonnes of onions on 30 guntha of land without any pesticides or fertilizers.
Dr. C.D. Pandya, a Senior Scientist at Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Tapi, pointed out that with proper guidance, natural farming can yield good harvests at a reduced cost, all the while enhancing soil health. The state of Gujarat is actively promoting natural farming to diminish reliance on chemicals and foster sustainable agricultural practices. Over 8 lakh farmers in Gujarat have embraced such methods, steering away from chemical usage to promote a more eco-friendly approach.
Under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel’s leadership, Gujarat is setting an example of sustainable, self-sufficient farming focused on cost reduction, productivity maintenance, and soil quality enhancement. Governor Acharya Devvrat is also actively advocating for natural farming through various initiatives statewide.
