Gujarat governor delivers special lecture at Haryana Assembly, bats for natural farming

Chandigarh: Gujarat governor Acharya Devvrat, while delivering a special lecture on natural farming during the budget session of Haryana Assembly on Wednesday, stated that this subject is not limited to agriculture alone, but is also deeply connected to human health, environmental protection, and the future of coming generations. He expressed gratitude to representatives of all political parties and said that this important issue has been raised in the House above party politics, keeping human welfare in mind.He appreciated the efforts of Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini in promoting the Natural Farming Mission, stating that it will have a positive impact on the health of people in the state. He mentioned that currently, around 800,000 farmers in Gujarat have adopted natural farming, and that both the govt and opposition are cooperating positively in this direction.Sharing his personal experience, the governor said that while serving as Principal at Gurukul Kurukshetra, he himself shifted from chemical farming to natural farming. Recalling an incident, he said that when an employee fainted after coming into contact with pesticides, it compelled him to rethink how harmful chemically grown food could be for human health. He clarified that there is a fundamental difference between organic farming and natural farming. Organic farming requires large quantities of manure, whereas natural farming is based on microorganisms and involves very low cost. He stated that this method can ensure adequate production and is economically beneficial for farmers.The governor warned that excessive use of chemical fertilisers is continuously reducing soil fertility, and the organic carbon level in the country's land has declined significantly, pushing it towards becoming barren. He cautioned that if timely corrective measures are not taken, future generations may face a shortage of both clean food and potable water. Highlighting the adverse effects of pesticide-laden farming, he said it is increasing environmental pollution, contaminating water sources, and contributing to the rise in diseases such as cancer, heart ailments, and kidney failure.Presenting natural farming as a solution, he described it as a low-cost, eco-friendly method based on indigenous cows. It enhances soil fertility by promoting the growth of microorganisms using simple inputs like cow dung, cow urine, jaggery, and gram flour. He added that natural farming can not only improve production but also significantly increase farmers' income. In Gujarat, many farmers are earning lakhs of rupees from just one acre of land.The Governor urged all legislators and public representatives to spread awareness about natural farming in their respective areas and to organise training programmes. He emphasised that adopting this method without proper training is difficult, and it should be implemented under expert guidance.Box to go withHaryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini urged all public representatives to actively promote natural farming, stressing that certain issues must rise above partisan politics. He said it is the collective responsibility of all stakeholders not only to adopt natural farming in their own lives but also to encourage and educate farmers about its benefits.Welcoming the Governor, the chief minister described Acharya Devvrat as a strong source of inspiration for Indian culture, ethical values, and a natural way of life. He said that Acharya Devvrat has dedicated his life to social service, education, and especially to the promotion of natural farming, actively reaching out to farmers across the country.Highlighting current agricultural practices, the chief minister expressed concern over the excessive use of pesticides, urea, and chemical fertilisers, which not only pollute the environment but also adversely affect human health. The chief minister stated that several initiatives have been announced in the Budget 2026–27 to further promote natural farming. The Haryana State Seed Certification Agency will be designated as a certification body for organic farming. Farmers certified by APEDA will receive financial assistance of Rs 10,000 per acre per year for the next five years. MSID:: 129658463 413 |