Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel pushes natural farming, lower fertiliser use
Synopsis
Gujarat is quietly turning its agriculture recruitment into a natural farming pipeline. CM Bhupendra Patel told 415 new Agricultural Assistants their core mandate is to wean farmers off chemical fertilisers — a clear state-level echo of the Centre's self-reliance pitch as global fertiliser supply chains stay volatile.
Key Takeaways
Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel addressed new agriculture recruits in Gandhinagar on 2 June .
415 Agricultural Assistants received appointment letters; 21 were handed letters at the event.
Patel urged recruits to promote natural farming and cut chemical fertiliser dependence.
Agriculture Minister Jitu Vaghani called for curbing indiscriminate fertiliser and pesticide use to protect soil health.
The state push aligns with PM Modi's call for reducing reliance on imported fertilisers.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Tuesday, 2 June urged newly recruited agriculture personnel to steer farmers away from chemical fertilisers and towards natural farming, arguing that the prevailing global situation had sharpened the case for self-reliance in Indian agriculture. He was addressing an appointment letter distribution ceremony in Gandhinagar organised by the State Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department.
Key Announcements at the Ceremony
Appointment letters were ceremonially handed over to 21 candidates at the venue, while a total of 415 Agricultural Assistants across Gujarat received their letters via email. Patel told the recruits they had been given an opportunity to contribute to healthier lives and sustainable cultivation by guiding farmers towards reduced fertiliser use.
What the Chief Minister Said
Referencing concerns over fertiliser availability and imports, Patel said, ‘Prime Minister Modi had called for reducing dependence on imported fertilisers, promoting natural farming and achieving long-term self-reliance.' He added that it would be the responsibility of the new recruits to carry that message to farmers across the state.
The Chief Minister urged the appointees to embrace innovation, leverage technology, and continually upgrade their skills. He described farmers as one of the key pillars in the vision of a developed India.
Agriculture Minister's Message
Agriculture Minister Jitu Vaghani congratulated the candidates and said the recruitment process reflected the state government's policy of transparency, with selections based on merit. Describing the recruits as ‘Karmayogis', Vaghani said, ‘Agriculture remained the foundation of the country's economy and joining the department offered an opportunity to serve farmers directly.'
He urged them to ensure that welfare scheme benefits reached farmers in even the most remote areas. Flagging what he called the need of the hour, Vaghani said, ‘Indiscriminate use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides must be curbed to protect soil health.'
Why It Matters
India remains one of the world's largest importers of urea and key fertiliser inputs, and global supply shocks in recent years have repeatedly pushed up the Centre's subsidy bill. Gujarat's push aligns with the Union government's broader natural farming pitch, which has been gaining policy weight since the launch of dedicated mission frameworks for chemical-free cultivation.
What's Next
Agriculture Additional Chief Secretary R.C. Meena welcomed the recruits and outlined the recruitment process. The newly appointed Agricultural Assistants are expected to begin field-level outreach on natural farming techniques and soil health awareness in the coming weeks.
Point of View
But without measurable targets — acreage converted, fertiliser tonnage reduced, yield impact tracked — the speech risks becoming an ideological set-piece. Natural farming has divided agronomists nationally, with concerns about short-term yield drops on staple crops. The real test for Patel's administration is whether the 415 new Assistants get the training, data tools, and incentive structure to actually shift on-ground practice, or whether this remains another well-staged ceremony.
NationPress
29 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel announce at the Gandhinagar event?
Bhupendra Patel urged newly recruited Agricultural Assistants to help farmers reduce chemical fertiliser use and adopt natural farming. He linked the push to the global supply situation and the Centre's call for agricultural self-reliance.
How many Agricultural Assistants were appointed in Gujarat?
A total of 415 Agricultural Assistants across Gujarat received appointment letters, with 21 candidates handed letters ceremonially at the Gandhinagar event. The remaining recruits received their letters via email.
Why is Gujarat pushing natural farming now?
The state is citing the global fertiliser supply situation and import dependence as reasons to accelerate natural farming adoption. The move aligns with PM Modi's call for reducing reliance on imported fertilisers and building long-term self-reliance in agriculture.
What did Agriculture Minister Jitu Vaghani say about chemical fertilisers?
Jitu Vaghani said indiscriminate use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides must be curbed to protect soil health. He urged the new recruits to counsel farmers on natural farming practices and ensure welfare scheme benefits reached remote areas.
Who else attended the agriculture appointment ceremony?
Agriculture Additional Chief Secretary R.C. Meena welcomed the recruits and outlined the recruitment process. Senior officials of the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department and the Directorate of Agriculture also attended the event.
