First Organic University to be setup in Gujarat

The Gujarat Government has decided to setup an agriculture university under the organic farming policy of the state. Gujarat CM Anandiben Patel said that it will be helpful to the farmers in switching to unconventional methods of farming.

According to the officials, Rs 10 crore has been sanctioned for 2016-17 for setting up the farm university, which is being convinced by CM Anandiben Patel.

In state till now there are 5 universities in Anand, Navsari, Dantiwada, Junagadh and Kamdhenu University is currently operating from Krishi Bhawan in state Capital and it focuses on research of various cattle’s.

The place is yet to be decided for the University but there is possibility to be chosen near to the agriculture Kamdhenu University in Gandhinagar sources said.

As per the sources the university will exclusively focus on organic farming and research, Gujarat is most suited place for organic farming as a significant portion of agricultural land in the state is rain fed.

Gujarat Government is planning to increase the organic farming area by 10 times in upcoming 5 years, currently 4500 hectare area of the state is under organic farming.

What is Organic Farming?

Organic farming is an alternative agricultural system which originated early in the 20^th century in reaction to rapidly changing farming practices.

It relies on fertilizers of organic such as compost, manure, green manure and bone meal and places emphasis on techniques such as crop rotation, companion planting, Biological pest control, mixed cropping and the fostering of insect predators or strictly limiting synthetic substances.

Organic agriculture is a production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people. It relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than the use of inputs with adverse effects. Organic agriculture combines tradition, innovation and science to benefit the shared environment and promote fair relationships and a good quality of life for all involved.