Surat – Under the 'Hamara Dang, Prakritik Dang' campaign, Dang, a tribal area of the state, was declared a completely natural farming district in 2021. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has initiated intensive efforts to promote natural farming, aiming to bring one crore farmers under its fold nationwide as announced in this year's Union Budget.
Thanks to the efforts of the Gujarat government, the prevalence of natural farming is increasing across the state. The declaration of Dang as a natural farming district has led to remarkable changes in the lives of local youth engaged in farming. One such success story is that of Rajubhai Sahar from Galkund village in Ahwa tehsil, the district headquarters.
Rajubhai Budhabhai Sahar, a 40-year-old farmer, began horticulture farming scientifically after receiving training from the Horticulture Department. In 2021, he earned Rs 55,000 by sowing bitter gourd on 2 hectares, yielding a profit of Rs 40,000. Motivated by the good yield from natural farming, he diversified his crops. In 2023-24, using mulching and drip irrigation methods, Rajubhai earned Rs 4.40 lakh by sowing chili, bitter gourd, tomato, and broccoli—a staggering 700% increase in income within three years.
Sharing his experience, Rajubhai said, "Natural farming gives good yield. We sow crops like bitter gourd, tomato, jackfruit, and paddy according to the season. Broccoli, though not popular in Dang, was successful for me. Last year, I planted 7,000 strawberry plants and made 100% profit. This year, I have sown 25,000 strawberry plants."
Rajubhai, along with his three brothers, is fully committed to natural farming. His children, including two daughters and a son, are currently studying. Regarding government assistance, he noted, "We receive subsidies, necessary training, and support from the Horticulture Department, including raw mandap, seeds, plastic covers, packing materials, and mango saplings."
The government has provisions for training and assistance to encourage farmers towards natural farming. As a result, many farmers in the state are now adopting this method. During the year 2023-24, a total of Rs 1,603 lakh has been allocated to support farmers engaged in natural farming over the past three years.
