Ahmedabad : Prakrishi 2025, held on December 1–2, brought together one of Gujarat’s strongest coalitions working in natural farming. Convened by the National Coalition for Natural Farming (NCNF) – Gujarat Chapter along with partners AKRSPI, SEWA Co-op Federation, C-GEM, Atapi Sewa Foundation, DSC, Utthan, CSPC and SSKK. The event created a powerful statewide convergence of farmers, FPOs, women’s collectives, researchers, CSOs and government representatives.
Also the gathering featured leading experts including Dr. Sultan Ismail, Padmashri Sabarmati (Dr. C.K. Timbadiya, VC – GNFSU), Mr. B.R. Shah (former Directorate of Agriculture, GoG), Dr. C.M. Biradar, Mr. Mohan Sharma (DSC), and Mr. Apoorva Oza (AKF Global Lead), alongside representatives of 30 civil-society organisations. Sessions progressed from foundational soil and “land maths” exercises to field-based behavioral studies. Which is, culminating in insights from Andhra’s natural farming transformation.
Additionally a Gujarati edition of the Bio-Input Resource Manual was launched during the event, bridging scientific knowledge with localized field practice. Experts also emphasized the urgent need to prepare the next generation of agriculture graduates for chemical-free, ecologically rooted farming practices.
A major highlight of Prakrishi 2025 was the strong focus on women’s leadership. Stories shared by women cultivators and seed keepers underscored their central yet often overlooked role in sustaining natural farming ecosystems.
“saaru khaishu, saaru khavdavishu” (we will eat good and help others eat good) — became a guiding principle for discussions on nutrition, soil health and responsible food systems.
– Padmashree Sabarmati
Presentations also revealed gaps in gender-segregated data, the need for context-based monitoring, certification challenges and the rising threat of climate variability. Participants reaffirmed Gujarat’s place as a frontrunner in natural farming and called for deeper investment in research, decentralised seed systems and village-level support structures.
The convergence concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening collaboration, amplifying women’s leadership and enabling community-centred decision-making. Far from being a ceremonial event, Prakrishi 2025 emerged as an inquiry-driven platform that encouraged experimentation, critical questioning and real-time interpretation of ground realities — setting the tone for Gujarat’s next phase of natural farming.
