Gujarat Government Allocates Rs 6.97 Crore to Support 35,829 Farmers in Natural Farming Initiative
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Gandhinagar, Feb 26 (NationPress) The government of Gujarat has, on Thursday, deposited Rs 6.97 crore directly into the bank accounts of 35,829 farmers spanning 33 districts as a financial incentive to encourage natural farming. This initiative reflects the ongoing effort to promote chemical-free agriculture within the state.
During a ceremony in Gandhinagar, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel unveiled the funding through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), alongside Agriculture Minister Jitu Vaghani and Minister of State for Agriculture Rameshbhai Katara.
The funds were transferred with a single click under the auspices of the National Mission on Natural Farming.
According to the scheme, farmers engaged in natural farming receive assistance of Rs 2,000 per acre during both the Kharif and Rabi seasons.
The recent disbursement specifically supports newly enrolled farmers for the Kharif season.
In his address, Patel highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for citizens to embrace the philosophy of 'Back to Basic' aimed at fostering a healthy lifestyle and advancing natural farming as a mission.
He emphasized that farmers who practice natural farming are contributing to the well-being of future generations.
Patel further pointed out that natural farming has become a critical need, asserting that the quicker farmers transition to such practices, the sooner they will experience the associated benefits.
The Chief Minister also acknowledged the efforts of Governor Acharya Devvrat, who has initiated a public movement promoting cow-based natural farming and actively visits villages to mentor farmers.
Vaghani remarked that the central government launched the National Mission on Natural Farming to advocate for chemical-free cultivation utilizing indigenous cow-based and locally sourced materials.
“In Gujarat, 1,015 clusters have been established under the mission, each comprising three gram panchayats, to offer training, guidance, and financial assistance to interested farmers,” Vaghani stated.
He further indicated that an additional 3,875 non-mission clusters would be set up in the remaining gram panchayats, bringing the total number of clusters to approximately 4,890.
To enhance practical exposure, 7,100 model farms have been set up throughout the state.
Vaghani concluded by noting that the state budget has allocated Rs 392 crore this year for various initiatives related to natural farming.