Gujarat Governor Calls for Transition from Chemical to Natural Farming

Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat has called for a shift from chemical fertiliser-based farming to natural methods. He highlighted that excessive chemical use is rendering lands infertile. Speaking at a natural farming seminar at Narendra Dev University of Agriculture and Technology, he stressed the need for change.

Representative image

Impact on Health and Environment

Devvrat pointed out that Europe and America are buying paddy from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka because Indian samples fail quality tests. He urged farmers to stop using chemical fertilisers and switch to natural and organic farming. He linked the rise in cancer cases among children as young as 10 years old to the current agricultural practices.

The Governor noted that diseases like cancer, diabetes, and blood pressure were rare 40 years ago but are now widespread. He described today's agricultural system as violent, slowly taking human lives. He cited a UN report predicting that in 40 to 50 years, the world's land could become barren, leading to no food grain production.

Consequences of Chemical Fertilisers

Devvrat explained that earthworms, which help make soil fertile, are being killed by chemical fertilisers. He mentioned that urea contains 46% salt, reducing the earth's organic carbon to 0.6%. This has made lands barren and contributed to making food, water, and air impure.

The Governor warned that if this situation continues, humans might not even be able to give birth in the future. He emphasised the urgent need for farmers to adopt natural farming practices to ensure sustainable agriculture and protect human health.

Devvrat's remarks highlight the critical need for a transition to natural farming methods. His speech underscores the severe consequences of continued reliance on chemical fertilisers for both the environment and human health.