On 2 and 3 May 2024, BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Sarangpur hosted a two-day natural farming training seminar in the presence of Gujarat Governor, Shri Acharya Devvratji and heads of various institutions from Gujarat.
The Gujarat Natural Farming Science University (GNFSU), Halol, has been nominated as the resource agency to train 12,699 Krishi Sakhis in Gujarat. In this context, the university identified practicing natural farmers and selected, through examinations and personal interviews, 129 Farmer Master Trainers (FMTs) to train the Krishi Sakhis. The primary purpose of this two-day seminar was to train these selected 129 FMTs, and interact with Governor Shri Acharya Devvratji and heads of various institutions from Gujarat.
On 2 May, Vice Chancellor Dr. C.K. Timbadia briefed the attendees about the training program and then scientists of GNFSU provided guidance to the FMTs on various aspects of natural farming which they can pass on to the Krishi Sakhis.
On 3 May, the Honorable Governor visited the Pramukh Swami Natural Farming Training Centre in Sarangpur, and appreciated the efforts of Jnaneshwar Swami, Brahmachintan Swami, Divyanidhi Swami in training farmers. Additionally, he viewed the Natural Farming Kamalam model, which features intercropping with papaya, maize, and chrysanthemum; the residue mulching in the entire field; and the experiment conducted to analyze the effect of dung from various animals on the microbial count of ghanjeevamrit.
Dr. C.K. Timbadia explained the ongoing natural farming experiments at Mahantam Natural Farming Research Station. He applauded the natural farming research and extension activities undertaken by BAPS Yagnapurush Natural Farming Farm, Sarangpur. To date, the Pramukh Swami Natural Farming Training Centre has conducted three-day residential training sessions for 160 farmers and Prerana Pravash (half-day visits) for 1,181 farmers.
Jnaneshwar Swami stressed the importance and need for natural farming, and highlighted some of the ongoing natural farming activities at BAPS Yagnapurush Natural Farming Farm.
The Honorable Governor of Gujarat, Shri Acharya Devvratji, interacted with FMTs and expressed his concern about the indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture and their impact on health and the environment. He commended the organizers for their efforts in promoting natural farming. The Honorable Governor also interacted with all the leaders of the various institutions that expressed interest in adopting villages, talukas, and districts for the promotion of natural farming. The Honorable Governor also visited the gaushala managed by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha and was delighted to see the various cow, buffalo and horse breeds.
During his visit, the Honorable Governor had the darshan of Param Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj. Swamishri blessed him for success in promoting natural farming across the country and around the world. The Governor expressed his feelings, noting the spiritual radiance that illuminated Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj's face, even at the age of 91.
In all, the natural farming training program was a significant step towards promoting sustainable natural farming in Gujarat and beyond.