Gandhinagar, June 22 (IANS) More than 20,000 natural farmers across Gujarat have been brought under a single federation that plans to market certified produce under a common brand and expand exports to international markets, in what organisers describe as a “major step” towards scaling up natural farming in the state.

The initiative has been undertaken by the Super FPO (SPNF) Gujarat Guild of Farmers Producer Company Limited, a federation of 22 farmer organisations established through the efforts of progressive farmer Hitesh Vora and agri-entrepreneur Madhav Joshi.

According to Hitesh, the federation represents over 20,000 natural farmers cultivating approximately 22,500 hectares of land.

“The organisation has been built over the past decade alongside the expansion of natural farming practices across Gujarat,” he said.

Hitesh, who has practised natural farming for the last 10 years, operates a 90-acre farm using a five-layer horticulture model inspired by the methods of natural farming advocate Subhash Palekar.

The model is based on five components: Beejamrut, Jeevamrut, Ghan Jeevamrut, mulching and Waapsa. “The movement has gained momentum with the guidance of Governor Acharya Devvrat and the support of the state government,” he said.

He said government assistance available to farmers includes Rs 900 per month for maintaining indigenous cows, Rs 5,000 per hectare for organic certification and Rs two lakh for each FPO to establish farm-based retail outlets and stalls.

The federation has launched the ‘Garvi’ brand and currently markets more than 130 certified natural products, including Kesar mangoes.

To strengthen direct market access and reduce the role of intermediaries, the organisation has linked its operations with the Central Government’s Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) platform.

“The federation’s centre at Kudasan in Gandhinagar supplies 35 varieties of cereals, pulses, spices and other daily-use products to consumers. 40 advanced training centres have been established at district headquarters through the Gujarat Natural Farming Science University to provide technical guidance and training to farmers,” Hitesh said.

Managing Director Madhav Joshi said plans are underway to establish an advanced procurement and collection centre through the joint support of the Gujarat Natural Agriculture Development Board and the Horticulture Department.

“This centralised system will create facilities for modern storage and faster transportation of fruits, vegetables and grains,” Joshi said.

He added that natural farming is currently being practised on about 450 hectares in Gandhinagar district alone and expressed confidence that scientific support and organised marketing would help farmers access export markets in the coming years.

The federation’s organisers said the initiative seeks to create an integrated supply chain for natural farming produce while improving market access for growers through collective branding, certification and distribution.

–IANS

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