The conference, attended by over 500 local farmers, and 450 BAPS swamis and youths, took place in the esteemed presence of Shri Acharya Devvratji, Honorable Governor of Gujarat, along with Pujya Viveksagardas Swami and Jnaneshwardas Swami. Other dignitaries present included Dr. C.K. Timbadia, Vice Chancellor, Gujarat Natural Farming and Organic Agricultural University (GNFOAU); Shri Mukeshbhai Parmar, Resident Additional Collector of Botad; Shri Prafulbhai Senjaliya, Coordinator of Natural Farming, Gujarat; Dr. N.H. Kelawala, Hon. Vice Chancellor of Kamdhenu University; Shri Solanki Sahib, Director of Gujarat Agriculture; and Shri Prakashbhai Rabari Saheb, Director, Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Gujarat.
The event aimed to encourage sustainable agricultural practices among farmers in Gujarat, as per the directions of the Honorable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendrabhai Modi.
In his address to the conference, Shri Acharya Devvratji, Honorable Governor of Gujarat, said, “The inherent well-being of our nation's people lies in adopting a natural agricultural system. If every farmer becomes conscious of this fact, Gujarat as a whole can serve as a role model for the world in the realm of natural agriculture.”
Applauding the convention's goals and underscoring the significance of natural agriculture, Param Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj’s heartfelt letter of blessings, written from America, was read by Jnaneshwardas Swami.
During his visit, the governor inaugurated the state's first ‘Mahantam Prakrutik Krushi Sanshodhan Kendra’ (Mahantam Natural Farming Research Centre), at Yagnapurush Farm, Sarangpur, which will conduct rigorous research on crop cultivation methods under the guidance of the GNFOAU. In addition, the governor also inaugurated a 10,000-liter Jeevamrut plant at Yagnapurush Farm in Sarangpur. This plant, constructed by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, will produce natural fertilizer, and serve as a platform for promoting and implementing natural farming techniques. The governor also visited the Yagnapurush Gaushala, where he expressed his appreciation for the use of drip irrigation systems and the rearing of indigenous cow breeds.
After the conference, Shri Acharya Devvratji, Honorable Governor of Gujarat, also visited the BAPS Sant Training Centre established by Pramukh Swami Maharaj in Sarangpur.
Before departing, the governor congratulated the swamis and other individuals involved in the management of the agricultural research center for their remarkable efforts in promoting natural farming.