Surat: Combining nature conservation with innovative farming techniques, Gujarat is leading the way in natural farming. Shaileshbhai Patel and Vijaybhai Patel, two farmer brothers from Deladva village in Chorasi Taluka, Surat district, have set an inspiring example by adopting natural farming. Through multi-layer farming on 28 acres, they have achieved an annual income of ₹35 lakh, proving that natural farming is both sustainable and profitable.
Five years ago, Shaileshbhai and Vijaybhai transitioned from chemical to natural farming. They shared their story, mentioning that for years, they relied on chemical-based farming to grow sugarcane. They couldn’t imagine farming without chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Until 2017, their farming yielded modest profits and minimal income, which they viewed as a losing deal. Despite this, they had no alternative employment options.
However, as they say, good company or proper knowledge can lead to significant change. The brothers met Kamleshbhai Patel, a farmer from Ambheti village in Palsana Taluka, during a workshop on natural farming. Inspired by his guidance, they started experimenting with natural farming on one acre. The success of this experiment encouraged them to extend the technique to their entire 28-acre farm.
In their multi-layer farming model, they grow crops like sugarcane, drumsticks, cauliflower, okra, ridge gourd, bottle gourd, and eggplant. Vijaybhai Patel explained that multi-layer farming eliminates the need for plowing and integrates cereals, pulses, vegetables, and fruits on the same land. While chemical farming costs ₹28,000 per acre, natural farming requires just ₹2,000. The benefits include reduced costs, higher yields, pure produce, environmental conservation, and soil fertility preservation.
Talking about natural farming, Shaileshbhai Patel said that although it requires more effort, it benefits the land significantly. It enhances soil moisture retention and prevents soil degradation over time. Additionally, the absence of chemical impurities in the crops promotes health benefits.
The Patel brothers also leveraged government schemes to modernize their farming equipment. With subsidies of ₹60,000 for a mini tractor and ₹1.6 lakh for a large tractor, they improved their tools and made farming more efficient.
The success of these farmer brothers has become a source of inspiration for farmers across South Gujarat. Their efforts demonstrate that integrating traditional methods with innovative techniques can make farming sustainable and profitable. Thanks to this agricultural model, natural farming is gaining momentum in Surat district and inspiring other regions of the state to adopt it. Multi-layer farming, combined with natural agricultural practices, is yielding promising results, offering hope for a more sustainable future.
