Gandhinagar: On Tuesday, Governor Acharya Devvrat emphasized the need for higher subsidies for farmers practicing natural farming compared to those using chemical fertilizers. This initiative aims to incentivize more farmers to transition to natural farming methods.
Gujarat govt is already providing financial support for natural farming in the form of Rs 12,000 a year for the upkeep of cows besides financial assistance for drums and other equipment, he said. The governor stated that 300 new sales centres are being established in Gujarat to help agriculturists sell natural farm produce at fair prices, recover production and transportation costs and avoid exploitation by middlemen.
Interacting with mediapersons in Gandhinagar, the governor said that subsidies on chemical fertilisers and pesticides cannot be stopped abruptly, as such a move could lead to farmer protests. “I believe that a significant portion of govt agricultural subsidies should be allocated to those practicing natural farming rather than chemical farming, so that farmers are drawn towards this method,” he said. He added that it is necessary to convince farmers with evidence that natural farming doesn’t reduce yield but improves soil fertility, saves water and money, protects the environment and also helps in cattle conservation.
Because of excessive chemical use, he added that soil organic carbon levels, which were much higher at the beginning of the Green Revolution, have declined sharply. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Ahmedabad | Silver Rate in Ahmedabad | Bank Holidays in Ahmedabad | Public Holidays in Ahmedabad | Ahmedabad AQI | Weather in Ahmedabad | Petrol Price in Ahmedabad | Diesel Price in Ahmedabad | CNG Price in Ahmedabad | LPG Price in Ahmedabad Stay updated with the latest Ahmedabad news.
Differentiating between natural and organic farming, Devvrat said organic farming often involves externally purchased inputs. It does not require farmers to depend on market-bought fertilisers and other inputs,” he said. Warning against continued excessive use of urea and DAP, the governor said these have been damaging soil microorganisms and earthworms and are reducing soil fertility.
“Natural farming is based on microorganisms, earthworms and beneficial insects. He also linked chemical farming to water contamination and groundwater depletion, saying hard layers formed in the soil prevent rainwater from percolating into the ground. Download the TOI App.