The farmer from Dehgam became the propagator of organic farming
For more productivity, farmers across the state and country are spraying chemical fertilizers and various drugs and making their lands barren. There was a time when natural farming in the field would produce ample quantities and people would stay healthy by consuming grains, vegetables, and fruits. Now that chemically prepared crops and adulterated foods are available everywhere. The Prime Minister of India has acknowledged these problems. In order to improve the quality of agriculture and ensure the citizens’ health, the Prime Minister has urged the farmers of the country to switch to natural farming.
Natural farming is the epitome of civilization and culture in India. For this, training programs are being conducted by the district natural resource centers, horticulture department, and state agriculture department for the farmers of the state. Governor of Gujarat, Shri Acharya Devvrat, is providing guidance to farmers across the country for natural farming.
Hiteshkumar Rama Patel, a farmer in the Sametri village of Dehgam, has set an example for other farmers by practicing natural farming. He has cultivated guavas, Australian almonds, pomegranates, etc. on his farm based on organic farming. Guava is the main crop, and Malabar neem is sown on the outskirts. Malabar neem leaves themselves act as antibacterial and prevent the growth of pests around them. Hitesh had the noble intention of bringing natural farming methods to India, which is why natural agriculture-based methods have been implemented in their Ram Bhumi Farm.
According to Hitesh, 500 grams of manure can be added to 1 hectare of land with water. Instead of DAP, phosphorus, etc., the use of only manure results in very good growth in the plantation, and the crop is free from pest infestation. Apart from this, natural insecticides also get very good results for killing pests.
The Governor of Gujarat, Shri Acharya Devvrat, is well known for his passion for organic farming. The farmers of the state and the country have known his ambitions in this matter and have practiced natural farming in their fields under his guidance. According to Hitesh, the adoption of organic agriculture in agriculture improves the soil, reduces costs, and thus increases the income of farmers. Quoting the words of the governor, he said that one cow’s dung will be enough for 30 acres of land.
Hitesh’s natural farming efforts have made his farm a model farm. Training camps are also organized from time to time by the Horticulture Department and Atma Sanstha to create awareness among farmers on their farms. “The farm is a laboratory, and the farmer is its scientist,” Hitesh says. 
Along with natural farming, Hitesh has made cow-based, anti-bacterial products like shampoos, phenyl, etc. His love of natural farming has been applauded by various organizations. He was honored by Governor Acharya Devvrat. He has been given assistance of Rs. 25 thousand per hectare by the government for natural farming. Apart from this, assistance has also been provided under the seven-step Farmer Welfare Scheme for cow-based farming. He says that with the full support of the horticulture department, Atma Sanstha, and the Department of Agricultural Cooperation, Government of Gujarat, he has succeeded in organic farming.
An article by Shivani Gadre
