Dang, Gujarat, October 4: The scenic forest area of Dang made headlines in 2021 when it was designated as a fully natural farming district in Gujarat under the 'Aapnu Dang, Prakrutik Dang' initiative. With government support and training, farmers in Dang have adopted natural farming methods, resulting in significant improvements to their livelihoods.
Yashwantbhai Sahare, a farmer from the village of Bhurapani, is one of the successful farmers in Dang who recognized the detrimental effects of chemical fertilizers. With assistance from the agriculture department, he received comprehensive training in natural farming, animal husbandry, and the production of organic fertilizers in Gujarat and other states.
This knowledge has enabled him to implement innovative practices and benefit from cultivating crops such as rice, ragi (finger millet), jackfruit, black lentils, and soybeans. He also conducts training sessions for other farmers in the district through regular camps organized by the agriculture department.
"This is the reality... We understand that diseases stem from chemical fertilizers. Therefore, for the sake of the next generation, we have stopped using these harmful substances. We exclusively practice natural farming. I received training in Subhash Palekar Natural Farming Methods, which includes techniques to restore soil fertility. I undertook the training myself," Sahare stated.
Sanjay Bhagariya, Deputy Director of Agriculture for Dang District, mentioned that master trainer farmers have been appointed to disseminate knowledge through various training programs. This initiative has kept farmers informed about innovative practices and welfare schemes.
Bhagariya noted, "In 2023-24, we conducted 423 cluster-based training programs, training nearly 16,000 farmers. We are continuing this initiative this year as well. For 2024-25, we have already held more than 285 cluster-based training programs, reaching around 9,020 farmers."
Farmers in Dang are also benefiting from farm mechanization schemes. They receive assistance from Gram Sevaks to apply for subsidies on tractors, rotavators, threshers, and shredders via an online portal.
Sitarambhai Chaurya, a farmer in Ahwa, shared that the government’s subsidy programs motivated him to purchase a tractor and rotavator. His daughter-in-law, Kusum, who holds a Master's degree, is involved in the family farming business and participates in training programs. She remarked that modern agricultural equipment has saved both time and money.
"People here live in poverty, making it challenging to buy equipment independently. Government assistance allows us to purchase and use the tools for farming. From the Agriculture Department in Dang District, we received a Rs 45,000 subsidy for the tractor and Rs 42,000 for the rotavator. Thanks to these subsidies, we have acquired the equipment and are now working and earning well," Kusum explained.
The achievements in natural farming and mechanization in Dang highlight the government's commitment to empowering farmers and promoting sustainable agriculture. As the district continues to set an example in natural farming, it stands as a model for other regions across India.
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