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GIDR Celebrating 78th Independence Day with theme 'Natural Farming: Balancing Science with Nature.

News in brief:

Gujarat is one the leading states in India to adopt natural farming as way forward for ensuring
sustainable food production as per SDG goals. Natural farming is directly addressing several
of the SDG goals especially five of them; Ending poverty (SDG 1), ensuring zero hunger
(SDG 2), promoting good health (SDG 3), supporting economic growth (SDG 8), promotion
of Sustainable agriculture practices also help conserve ecosystems and reduce inequalities
(SDG 15) and combating climate change (SDG 13) through responsible land and water
management.
National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) currently being implemented under
guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi aims at creating institutional capacities for
documentation and dissemination of best practices, make practicing farmers as partners in
promotion strategy, ensure capacity building and continuous handholding and finally
attracting farmers to the natural farming willingly on the merit of the system.
Under the mission the focus is on promoting alternative system of farming with minimum
external input and thereby increasing income of farmers, to promote integration of
agriculture-animal husbandry models based on desi cows and local resources, to collect,
validate and document Natural Farming practices being practiced in various parts of the
country and to encourage participatory research with farmers on further up scaling, to
undertake activities for awareness creation, capacity building, promotion, and demonstration
of Natural Farming and to create standards, certification procedure and branding for Natural
Farming products for national and international markets.
Gujarat under guidance of its Hon’ble Governor Shri Acharya Devvratji and Hon’ble Chief
Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel has initiated various measures to expand the foot print of
Natural Farming in the state. Currently around 7.5 lakh hectares of agricultural land in the
state is under natural farming as per the government records with 23 lakh farmers. The
Gujarat Prakrutik Krushi Vikas Board was also formed to boost natural farming, and ATMA
project directors in each of the districts are supervising the implementation of the programme
monitored from highest quarter of decision making. Gujarat Institute of Development
Research (GIDR), Ahmedabad an Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), New
Delhi affiliated and supported by Department of Higher Education, Government of Gujarat is
spearheading the evidence based social science research for over 50 years in the state.
The institute under its present Director, Prof. (Dr.) Nisha Pandey is taking part in this mission
to widen the coverage of Natural Farming in the state with developing a Panchastariya
Jungle Model using Natural Farming methods in institutes campus in one bigha of land with
328 plants which include Jasud (50); Green Tea (50); Mitho Limdo (40); Papaiya (30); Falsha
(30); Sitafal (30); Lemon (30); Amla (30); Coconut (Lotan) (20); Jambu (10); and Mango
(Keshar) (8). The technical support for the same was received from Gujarat Natural Farming
Sciences University (GNFSU), Halol, the country’s first university dedicated to scientific
research on the subject. Progressive farmers who adopted Natural Farming and got various
awards; like Mr. N.L. Mandir, Mr. Amrut Patel and Mr Hitesh Patel also gave their effort to

develop the plot which was a dump yard for the rubbles of nearby construction. Applying
Jivamrit, Ghanjivamrit and other nature based solution the land was developed as model NF
jungle plot and inaugurated by Hon’ble governor Shri on 24.02.2024. At present more than
90% of the plants have survived and showing rapid growth with spreading of colony of earth
worms, the nature’s volunteers for safekeeping of soil quality. The dedication of office staffs
like Mr. Gani Memon, Mr Jorawar, Mr Shiv Singh, Mr Arvind and Mr Surendra the plot is
visited by various dignitaries and natural farming practitioner almost every other day and
being scientifically documented.
Institute take this opportunity of celebrating 78 th Independence Day with natural farming
practitioners, farmer champions, farmer collectives and private players who are exploring
business in this coming up sector and policy makers. This will be opportunity to reiterate our
commitment to sustainable regenerative farming with minimum cost and maximum income
for our ‘Annadatas’. We welcome all those who are interested in sustainable farming to
come and visit us on the occasion and celebrate the flag hosting followed by a round table on
Natural Farming.
The event will bring together a diverse group of participants, including government officials,
industry leaders, academic experts, farmers, and representatives from non-governmental
organizations (NGOs). The session aims to leverage the collective expertise and collaboration
of various stakeholders to drive meaningful progress in the adoption of sustainable farming
practices in Gujarat.
The primary objective of the proposed session is to bring together diverse stakeholders to
discuss, identify, and promote innovative approaches that can enhance natural farming
practices in Gujarat. The session aims to foster collaboration, share knowledge, and develop
actionable strategies to support the adoption of natural farming.

Documents:

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