Natural farming key to soil health, future generations: Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel
Synopsis
Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel sat on a charpoi in a village to make his point: chemical farming is eroding India's soil and threatening future generations. His farm visits in Gandhinagar on 18 July are part of a deliberate state push to put Modi's 'Back to Basics' vision into practice — one gaushala and one cow-dung input farm at a time.
Key Takeaways
Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel visited two natural farming model farms in Gandhinagar district on 18 July .
He warned that carbon levels in agricultural land have fallen to an alarming level due to excessive chemical fertiliser use.
Under the Sujalam Sufalam scheme, the permissible distance for filling lakes was expanded from 3 km to 7 km .
The visit aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Back to Basics' vision for sustainable agriculture.
Farmers at the farms use cow-derived inputs and chemical-free methods, supported by Agriculture Department officials.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Saturday, 18 July visited two natural farming model farms in Gandhinagar district, reaffirming that natural farming is the most sustainable path to restoring soil health and protecting future generations. The visit underscored the state government's push to translate Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Back to Basics' vision into on-ground agricultural practice.
Farm Visits and Farmer Interactions
Patel first visited the natural farming plot of farmer Alpesh Patel in Mahundra village of Gandhinagar taluka, where he observed cow-derived input-based cultivation methods and inspected cattle management at the farm's gaushala. He subsequently toured the model farm of Shantilal Patel at Shivpura Kampa.
In an informal outreach session, the Chief Minister sat on a traditional charpoi in Mahundra village to engage directly with farmers and villagers — a deliberate, ground-level approach aimed at building grassroots momentum for chemical-free agriculture.
What the Chief Minister Said
'Natural farming is the only way to safeguard future generations,' Patel told the gathering, warning that excessive dependence on chemical fertilisers was exposing citizens to serious diseases while degrading soil quality. He expressed particular concern over declining carbon levels in agricultural land, describing the situation as having reached 'an alarming level.'
'Natural farming is the only strong solution to improve the health of both the soil and the human body,' he said, urging every citizen to take personal responsibility for conserving natural resources.
Water Conservation and Green Energy Links
Patel highlighted ongoing water conservation efforts, citing the nationwide Amrit Sarovar and Khet Talavadi campaigns. He noted that under the Sujalam Sufalam scheme, Gujarat had expanded the permissible distance for filling lakes from three kilometres to seven kilometres, broadening the scope of water harvesting across the state.
The Chief Minister also drew a connection to the hydrogen train launched by Prime Minister Modi on Friday, saying India would emerge as a global leader in green energy as the world pivots away from fossil fuels. He additionally urged citizens to replace plastic bags with paper bags as part of environmentally responsible lifestyle choices.
Farmers' Response and Officials Present
Farmers practising natural farming shared their experiences of chemical-free cultivation during the interaction and encouraged peers to adopt the method. They also acknowledged support from agricultural scientists and officials of the Agriculture Department.
Among those present were Agriculture Department Principal Secretary R. C. Meena, In-charge Collector J. S. Prajapati, District Development Officer Hasrat Jasmin, District Agriculture Officer Shashikant Patel, District Horticulture Officer Hetalben, and ATMA Project Director Varmora, along with local leaders and a large number of farmers and villagers.
The visit signals continued state-level momentum behind natural farming advocacy, with Gujarat positioning itself as a model for the Centre's broader agricultural sustainability agenda.
Point of View
And what are their income outcomes? Advocacy visits are not data. Until the state publishes verifiable acreage under natural farming and compares yields and incomes against chemical-input farms, the 'only sustainable path' framing remains aspirational rather than evidenced.
NationPress
18 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is natural farming and why is Gujarat CM promoting it?
Natural farming is a chemical-free agricultural method that relies on cow-derived inputs such as dung and urine instead of synthetic fertilisers or pesticides. Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel is promoting it as the most sustainable way to restore soil health and reduce disease risk, in line with PM Modi's 'Back to Basics' vision.
Which farms did Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel visit on 18 July?
Patel visited the natural farming plot of farmer Alpesh Patel in Mahundra village, Gandhinagar taluka, and the model farm of Shantilal Patel at Shivpura Kampa. Both farms use cow-derived inputs and chemical-free cultivation methods.
What is the Sujalam Sufalam scheme mentioned by the Gujarat CM?
Sujalam Sufalam is a Gujarat state water conservation scheme. The CM noted that the permissible distance for filling lakes under the scheme has been extended from three kilometres to seven kilometres, expanding the reach of water harvesting efforts across the state.
How does the Amrit Sarovar campaign relate to natural farming?
The Amrit Sarovar and Khet Talavadi campaigns are nationwide water conservation initiatives that address water scarcity and irregular rainfall — both of which are critical challenges for natural farming, which depends on healthy soil moisture rather than chemical inputs to sustain crop productivity.
What did farmers say during the CM's visit to Gandhinagar?
Farmers practising natural farming shared their experiences of chemical-free cultivation and encouraged others to adopt the method. They also acknowledged the guidance provided by agricultural scientists and officials of the Agriculture Department.
