The Dang district of Gujarat, which is rich in tribal heritage and biodiversity, has become India's first 100% natural farming district. Here, farmers are switching from chemical-intensive agriculture to organic farming.

Madhukarbhai, a farmer from Dang, is among the many who have adopted natural farming practices. Farmers here now rely on organic formulations such as Jeevamrit and Ghan Jeevamrit, which have boosted crop productivity while drastically reducing input costs.

Dang achieved the milestone of becoming a fully natural farming district in 2021, setting an example for sustainable agriculture across the country.

“I have gained significant benefits from practicing natural farming. We are glad that the government is providing training to help farmers progress,”says Madhukarbhai in Gujarati.

The district has 97,379 hectares of cultivable land where major crops such as paddy, ragi, urad, and groundnut are grown. To support natural farming, the government provides annual assistance of ₹10,000 per hectare. Farmers who follow cow-based natural farming also receive ₹900 per month to support cattle maintenance.

According to SK Joshi, Director of SAMETI and SNO, ATMA, Gujarat, “FPOs have also been established in Dang. Natural farming is being promoted, and farmers are being hand-held to ensure their crops are certified and can reach appropriate markets. The government has worked systematically in this direction.”

The state has set aside ₹4.41 crore for natural farming initiatives in the fiscal year 2025–2026. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, these initiatives are helping tribal farmers become more self-reliant and strengthening environmental sustainability in the region.