Surat : Natural Farming Market Sees Rs.24 Lakh Sales

Surat, Gujarat  – Farmers in Surat district have actively adopted natural farming practices. To provide a platform for selling their natural produce, the state government has initiated a collective marketing system.

One such dedicated market space was launched for natural farming farmers of Surat district on 7th April 2025 in the posh area of Vesu. Currently, 40 to 50 farmers regularly bring their produce to this market.

According to ATMA Project Director and Deputy Director of Agriculture Mr. N.G. Gamit, the natural farming market was inaugurated by the Governor of Gujarat near S.D. Jain College in Vesu. It is held every Wednesday and Sunday from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM, where farmers sell fresh, healthy, chemical-free vegetables, fruits, pulses, and grains. The initiative has received an overwhelming response from city residents. Within just two months, the market has recorded sales of approximately ₹24 lakh.

Customers from not only Vesu but also from areas like Pal, Adajan, and Althan regularly visit this market. Farmers are earning 30% to 40% higher returns than regular market prices. Over the past five years, farmers have been encouraged toward natural farming through model farms, exposure visits, and training in Jeevamrut and Ghanjeevamrut (natural fertilizers).

Vikas Gamit, a young farmer from Uteva village in Mandvi, shared that he regularly brings natural vegetables like okra, brinjal, fenugreek, and ridge gourd to sell at the market. “Thanks to the government’s efforts, we now have a dedicated platform to directly sell our natural produce to consumers twice a week. I earn ₹8,000 to ₹10,000 per day from sales,” he said, expressing his gratitude to the state government.

Kailash Kagdiya, a regular customer, said that urban residents are increasingly attracted to natural farm products. “The taste and quality of vegetables sold here are truly exceptional.”

Kalpesh Patel, a farmer from Saras village, added, “I cultivate bananas and process them into value-added products like wafers and chips. I sell nearly 200 kg of bananas and other products daily, generating a revenue of ₹15,000 to ₹20,000.” He extended his thanks to the District Panchayat, ATMA, and Surat Municipal Corporation for supporting this market.

Kantilal Solanki, a resident of Vesu, said, “I regularly shop at the natural farming market. You get traditional, chemical-free vegetables here. These vegetables bring back the taste of the food I had in my village during childhood.” He urged more people to support and buy from this market.

Maheshbhai Patel from Erthan village in Olpad taluka, shared, “I’ve been cultivating six varieties of turmeric through natural methods and selling them. Earlier, I sold from home or in nearby markets, but now with the Surat Natural Market, my products like fenugreek, mustard, and sesame are selling easily. Natural farming has helped reduce our input costs and increase our income.”

Customer Poonam Patel said, “Vegetables grown without any kind of chemical fertilizers have a completely unique taste. I hope this market operates daily instead of just twice a week.”