On December 6, 2024, Gujarat’s Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the state’s Ravi Krishi Mahotsav 2024 from Sardar Krushinagar in Dantiwada, Banaskantha.
In his address, Patel reaffirmed the state government’s unwavering commitment to supporting the agricultural community. Highlighting the importance of agriculture to the state’s economy, he emphasized that the government’s initiatives, under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have transformed the sector and positioned Gujarat as a leader in agricultural development.
The Chief Minister referred to the success of initiatives such as the Jyotigram Yojana, which ensures uninterrupted power supply and efficient irrigation management, as critical factors that have improved water availability for farmers.
He praised the Krishi Mahotsav, initiated by the Prime Minister, as a platform for connecting agricultural scientists with farmers. These interactions allow farmers to learn about crop cultivation techniques and discover ways to add value to their produce, contributing to the growth of the sector.
Patel also urged farmers to take full advantage of modern farming technologies, particularly in the use of drones and farm mechanisation, which are supported by government schemes.
The state has introduced financial assistance to help farmers adopt these technologies, which enhance productivity and reduce manual labour.
Additionally, he highlighted the government’s proactive role in assisting farmers during natural calamities. For instance, a recent relief package of Rs 1,419 crore was allocated to compensate for crop losses caused by unseasonal rains and cyclones, with nearly Rs 1,200 crore already disbursed to affected farmers.
Furthermore, Patel encouraged farmers to embrace natural farming methods, including cow-based natural farming, which, he pointed out, is beneficial for both soil health and human well-being.
He credited Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvratji for his efforts in promoting sustainable agricultural practices, noting that nearly 9.85 lakh farmers have adopted such practices.
Addressing the critical issues of irrigation and electricity, Patel committed to providing daytime electricity to farmers across the state within the next six to eight months, a move that will further enhance agricultural productivity.
He reiterated that Krishi Mahotsav has been pivotal in guiding farmers towards modern, technology-driven farming practices, with an emphasis on sustainability.
The event, which spans across more than 246 talukas in Gujarat, also saw the Chief Minister honouring 12 farmers with the prestigious Sardar Patel Agricultural Research Awards. These awards recognised farmers for their unique innovations and contributions to the agricultural sector.
Additionally, Patel and Agriculture Minister Raghavji Patel launched an informational booklet that highlights the latest agricultural technologies and announced the distribution of benefits worth Rs 11.48 lakh under various farmer-centric schemes.
Minister Patel also spoke about the government’s efforts to ensure fair prices for farmers' produce. Through the announcement of minimum support prices (MSP), which are often set more than 50 percent above the base price, the government aims to safeguard the interests of farmers.
MSPs have recently been declared for crops such as groundnuts, moong, urad, and soybeans. For groundnut procurement, the government has set up 160 centres, and purchases are already underway. The government also provides subsidies on mechanical equipment, making farming more cost-effective.
Patel further emphasised that the government had allocated Rs 11,000 crore over the past eight years to compensate farmers for crop losses.
To advance the adoption of natural farming practices, the state has established a Natural Farming University and Board, supporting farmers in their transition to sustainable farming methods. The government’s commitment to zero-budget farming has also been a cornerstone of its agricultural policies.
The event was attended by various dignitaries, including MLAs Aniket Thakar, Swarupji Thakor, Keshaji Chauhan, and Mavjibhai Desai, former Union Minister Haribhai Chaudhary, former MPs, and district officials.
Notable figures from the agriculture and animal husbandry sectors, such as the Vice Chancellors of Sardar Krushi University and Gujarat Natural Farming University, were also present.
The gathering reflected the strong focus on agriculture and the determination to create a thriving agricultural ecosystem in Gujarat.
Follow us
