Gujarat Governor Champions Natural Farming in Haryana Assembly Session
In a significant address during the budget session of the Haryana Assembly, Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat delivered a special lecture on natural farming, highlighting its far-reaching implications beyond agriculture. He emphasized that this practice is intrinsically linked to human health, environmental protection, and the well-being of future generations.
Bipartisan Support and Government Initiatives
Governor Devvrat expressed gratitude to representatives from all political parties, noting that the issue of natural farming has been elevated above partisan politics with a focus on human welfare. He commended Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini for his efforts in promoting the Natural Farming Mission, predicting a positive impact on the health of the state's residents.
Chief Minister Saini echoed this sentiment, urging all public representatives to actively promote natural farming and stressing that certain issues must transcend political divisions. He described Governor Devvrat as a source of inspiration for Indian culture, ethical values, and a natural lifestyle, acknowledging his lifelong dedication to social service, education, and agricultural outreach.
Personal Experience and Distinction from Organic Farming
Sharing his personal journey, Governor Devvrat recalled his time as Principal at Gurukul Kurukshetra, where he transitioned from chemical to natural farming. A pivotal moment occurred when an employee fainted after exposure to pesticides, prompting him to reconsider the health risks of chemically grown food.
He clarified a key distinction: organic farming relies on large quantities of manure, whereas natural farming is based on microorganisms and involves minimal cost. This method, he asserted, can ensure adequate production and prove economically beneficial for farmers.
Warnings on Chemical Fertilizers and Environmental Impact
Governor Devvrat issued a stark warning about the excessive use of chemical fertilizers, which is continuously depleting soil fertility and reducing organic carbon levels in India's land, pushing it toward barrenness. He cautioned that without timely corrective measures, future generations may face shortages of clean food and potable water.
Highlighting the adverse effects, he noted that pesticide-laden farming increases environmental pollution, contaminates water sources, and contributes to rising diseases such as cancer, heart ailments, and kidney failure.
Natural Farming as a Sustainable Solution
Presenting natural farming as a viable solution, Governor Devvrat described it as a low-cost, eco-friendly method rooted in indigenous cows. It enhances soil fertility by promoting microorganism growth using simple inputs like cow dung, cow urine, jaggery, and gram flour.
He added that this approach not only improves production but can significantly boost farmers' income, citing examples from Gujarat where many farmers earn substantial profits from just one acre of land. Currently, around 800,000 farmers in Gujarat have adopted natural farming, with both government and opposition cooperating positively in this direction.
Call to Action and Budgetary Support
Governor Devvrat urged legislators and public representatives to spread awareness and organize training programs in their areas, emphasizing that adopting natural farming without proper guidance is challenging and should be implemented under expert supervision.
Chief Minister Saini highlighted current agricultural concerns, pointing to the excessive use of pesticides, urea, and chemical fertilizers that pollute the environment and harm human health. In response, 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.
This collaborative effort underscores a shared commitment to sustainable agriculture, health, and environmental stewardship, setting a precedent for other states to follow.
