Gujarat Farmer Kamlesh Patel Pioneers Organic Fertiliser Production, Drives Natural Farming Adoption
Kamlesh Patel, a Gujarat farmer, is leading a movement to replace chemical fertilisers with organic alternatives like Ghanjeevamrut and Jeevamrut. After embracing natural farming in 2017, he scaled up production due to high demand and has inspired over 800,000 farmers in Gujarat to transition. Supported by the state government, Patel currently produces 40,000 kg of Ghanjeevamrut daily, distributing it statewide and beyond, with plans to double capacity and reduce India's reliance on chemical imports.
Kamlesh Patel, a dedicated farmer from Mangroliya village in Gujarat's Surat district, has become a pivotal figure in promoting natural farming and reducing India's dependence on chemical fertilisers. Inspired by a 2016 seminar on Zero Budget Natural Farming, Patel adopted the practice in 2017, achieving remarkable sugarcane yields of 45 tonnes per hectare. His success quickly garnered interest from other farmers who, lacking access and reluctant to prepare organic inputs themselves, prompted Patel to begin industrial-scale production of Ghanjeevamrut and Jeevamrut.Patel currently produces 40,000 kg (1,000 bags of 40kg each) of Ghanjeevamrut and 1,000 litres of Jeevamrut daily, marketing these organic fertilisers across Gujarat and other states. He plans to double his Ghanjeevamrut production to 2,000 bags daily this year, aiming for 100,000 bags sold after last year's 50,000. These products are crucial alternatives, enhancing soil health, microbial activity, nutrient content, and crop productivity.The Gujarat government is actively supporting this initiative, with economic assistance for production, subsidies for setting up Bio-Resource Centres, and promoting natural farming through the Agriculture Department. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Governor Acharya Devvrat are also champions of the cause, encouraging widespread adoption. Consequently, over 800,000 farmers in Gujarat have transitioned to natural farming, covering more than 550,000 hectares, significantly increasing the demand for organic alternatives and contributing to a sustainable agricultural future.
