Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat Urges Farmers to Adopt Natural Farming

August 11, 2026

Anand: Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat on Tuesday urged farmers to move away from chemical farming and adopt natural farming, saying excessive dependence on chemical fertilisers and pesticides could harm soil and water resources and create challenges for future generations.

During a two-day visit to Anand district, Devvrat visited the natural farm of progressive farmer Naresh Solanki in Boriyavi village of Anand taluka. He inspected various crops, milked a cow and also ploughed the field before interacting with local farmers.

The Governor explained the preparation and benefits of Jeevamrut and Ghan Jeevamrut, which are used in natural farming.

Governor Highlights Benefits of Natural Farming

Addressing farmers, Devvrat said natural systems could maintain soil fertility without dependence on chemical fertilisers.

He said indiscriminate use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides had affected useful earthworms and microorganisms in agricultural soil, increasing farmers’ dependence on externally supplied nutrients such as nitrogen, potash and phosphorus.

According to Devvrat, chemical farming can harden the soil, while natural farming can help improve soil fertility and promote natural water harvesting by allowing rainwater to seep into the ground.

He warned that continued chemical farming could affect the availability of fertile soil and clean drinking water for future generations.

The Governor also said natural farming could potentially increase agricultural production rather than reduce it, as higher organic carbon content in the soil could contribute to better crop yields.

Natural Farming Can Reduce Input Costs: Devvrat

Devvrat said natural farming could significantly reduce agricultural input costs and described it as a cow-based system in which cattle can provide both milk and manure for farming.

He cited farmers in Gujarat who, according to him, have adopted a five-tier model of natural farming and earned substantial incomes with relatively low labour and input costs.

The Governor also cautioned that excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides could pollute the environment and damage soil and water resources, while potentially creating health risks.

Recalling his own experience, Devvrat said he had stopped using chemical fertilisers and adopted natural farming, after which his land regained fertility.

He urged farmers to focus on leaving healthy and fertile land for future generations rather than degraded agricultural land.

Governor Leads Yoga Session in Anand Village

During his Anand visit, Devvrat also spent a night in an ordinary room at Charvarg Primary School in Samarkha village.

On Tuesday morning, he joined students, teachers, young people and villagers for a yoga and pranayama session at the school.

While leading the session, the Governor said yoga could improve physical flexibility and blood circulation. He demonstrated Sheetali, Anulom-Vilom, Bhramari and Bhastrika pranayama, and highlighted their potential benefits for concentration, mental sharpness and calmness when practised regularly.

Devvrat encouraged participants to make yoga and pranayama part of their daily routine. He also performed Surya Namaskar with the children and explained the significance of ‘Om’.

The session concluded with the collective chanting of the Gayatri Mantra.

Devvrat has previously advocated natural farming as a way to improve soil fertility and reduce farmers’ dependence on external agricultural inputs. The Gujarat government has also been promoting natural farming as a state-wide initiative.