Ahmedabad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday appealed to the farmers of Gujarat to adopt ‘natural farming’ techniques to serve Mother Earth. Modi said this in a recorded video address at the closing ceremony of the three-day foundation stone laying ceremony of the temple of Goddess Maa Umiya of the Kadva Patidar farming community in north Gujarat.
He said the desire for higher yields in less time has forced farmers to use fertilizers and chemicals regardless of soil conditions, leading to deterioration in soil quality. He said, “I request you here not to forget mother earth while serving Maa Umiya. Mother Umiya’s children have no right to forget Mother Earth. For us, both are one… Therefore, I request you to take a pledge in the presence of Maa Umiya that you will take North Gujarat towards natural farming.”
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He said that natural farming also means zero budget farming, and suggested farmers to adopt it gradually by setting aside a part of their land or doing natural and regular farming every alternate year. “It will save cost and bring change, bring a new consciousness in mother earth, and you will do good work for generations to come,” the Prime Minister said. Modi said he would also speak on natural farming at an event in Gujarat on December 16.
“I would request all of you to understand, accept and pursue natural farming with the blessings of Maa Umiya,” he said. He said that such new efforts will contribute to the development of Gujarat. (agency)