The Gujarat Government has initiated the establishment of four Centres of Excellence aimed at promoting natural farming across the state. This initiative has been approved under the supervision of Governor Acharya Devvrat, reflecting the government’s commitment to enhancing agricultural practices. The initiative is bolstered by an allocation of Rs 20 crore for the financial year 2026-27 specifically dedicated to these centres.

These Centres will be located in Navsari, Morbi, Bhavnagar, and Chhota Udepur districts, with each centre designed to facilitate the training of up to 100 farmers simultaneously. The aim is to provide essential guidance and resources for both novice and experienced farmers engaging in natural farming practices.

Provisions at the Centres of Excellence

The first phase of the project will see Centres established in Nani Bhamti village, Halvad, Valavad village, and Chudel village respectively. Responsibility for the implementation of this initiative has been assigned to the Gujarat Prakrutik Krishi Vikas Board. These centres will not only offer training but will also function as model campuses for sustainable agricultural techniques.

Farmers will receive instruction on producing bio-inputs such as Jeevamrut, Ghan Jeevamrut, Beejamrut, and Neemastra. Additionally, infrastructure will be set up to facilitate the production of these inputs, ensuring that they are available to farmers at affordable prices.

Beyond bio-inputs, the centres will also focus on producing various mulching materials, crop seeds, horticultural saplings, and other planting materials to support local farmers in their agricultural pursuits.

Training and Support for Farmers

Additionally, practical demonstrations are planned, showcasing different natural farming techniques such as the five-layer natural farming model, mixed cropping, and intercropping methodologies. Farmers will be provided with hands-on instructions in their fields, promoting collaborative learning and real-world application.

Instruction on the preparation and application of natural pesticides, along with proper usage of bio-inputs, will form a crucial part of the training. The Centres aim to equip farmers with knowledge pertaining to standard practices in natural farming tailored to various crops.

Enhanced Training for Sustainable Agriculture

This initiative by the Gujarat Government aims to consolidate resources related to training, technology, and essential agricultural materials in a single location, significantly benefiting farmers who undertake natural farming practices. The intended outcome is to reduce cultivation costs through efficient use of bio-inputs and to improve overall agricultural sustainability.

Furthermore, training in value addition, processing, storage, and packaging is designed to support farmers in achieving higher returns on their agricultural products. The establishment of these four Centres of Excellence is expected to serve as pivotal hubs for natural farming training and experimentation, thereby steering the expansion of sustainable agricultural practices throughout Gujarat.

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