Union Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Guides Farmers under “Khet Bachao Abhiyan” in Gir-Somnath, Gujarat

4 June 2026, Gir-Somnath, Gujarat

As part of the nationwide “Khet Bachao Abhiyan” being organized from 1–30 June 2026, Union Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Shri Bhagirath Chaudhary, visited Chanduvav village in Veraval taluka of Gir-Somnath district, Gujarat, and participated in a farmer awareness programme organized at Ahir Samaj Wadi. The programme was jointly organized by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Ambujanagar, Kodinar and the Department of Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Cooperation, Gir-Somnath district.

Addressing the farmers, Shri Bhagirath Chaudhary emphasized the importance of adopting Natural Farming practices for sustainable agriculture and long-term soil health improvement. He appealed to farmers to gradually reduce the use of chemical fertilizers such as urea and DAP, and encouraged the adoption of alternative fertilizers, green manuring, Nano Urea, Nano DAP and bio-fertilizers for eco-friendly crop production.

Shri Bhagabhai Barad, MLA, Talala, and Shri Rajshibhai Jotwa, former MLA, highlighted the importance of farmer awareness and active participation in government agricultural schemes. They encouraged farmers to benefit from programmes related to Natural Farming, Soil Health Management and PM-Kisan Yojana for enhancing farm productivity and income.

The Senior Scientist and Head of KVK, along with Subject Matter Specialists and scientists from Junagadh Agricultural University (JAU), interacted with farmers on important agricultural initiatives including Farmer ID, Soil Health Card, Natural Farming certification procedures and sustainable farming technologies. The scientists also guided farmers on improving soil fertility and reducing cultivation costs through natural farming approaches.

Scientists from ICAR-CIFT, ICAR-CMFRI and Director-IIGR Junagadh, along with officials from the Department of Agriculture and ATMA, participated in technical discussions and interacted with farmers on climate-resilient agricultural practices and integrated farming systems.

Live demonstrations and exhibitions were organized during the programme, including displays of agricultural products produced through natural farming practices by Amrit Aahar Kendra, stalls on new-age fertilizers by GSFC representatives and a live demonstration on the preparation of Jeevamrut by the organizing team.

The programme served as an effective platform for interaction among farmers, scientists, extension personnel, policymakers and representatives from various line departments on sustainable agriculture and Natural Farming technologies. Around 100 farmers participated in the programme along with scientists, subject matter specialists, ATMA officials and representatives from agricultural institutions.

(Source: ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Pune)