Gujarat to establish four natural farming Centres of Excellence

The Gujarat government has approved the establishment of four Centres of Excellence to promote natural farming across the Navsari, Morbi, Bhavnagar, and Chhota Udepur districts. The state has allocated Rs 20 crore for the 2026-27 period to fund this initiative.

Under the guidance of Governor Acharya Devvrat, these centres will serve as model campuses providing training, technical guidance, and access to agricultural inputs. Each facility is designed to train up to 100 farmers at a time, supporting both current practitioners and those looking to adopt natural methods. The Gujarat Prakrutik Krishi Vikas Board is responsible for implementing the scheme.

Key services at the centres will include training in the preparation of bio-inputs such as Jeevamrut, Ghan Jeevamrut, Beejamrut, and Neemastra. The centres will also produce and sell these inputs, along with seeds, saplings, and mulching materials, at nominal prices. Additionally, farmers will receive assistance with soil testing, value addition, post-harvest processing, and practical demonstrations of techniques like the five-layer natural farming model and intercropping.