Gandhinagar, May 26: A life-changing event can sometimes inspire individuals to make significant changes, leading them to become role models for others. This is the case for Kalpesh Patel, a farmer from Saras village in the Olpad taluka of Surat district.
Kalpesh Patel, who worked as a chemical operator in a factory in Surat, experienced a turning point in his life following the death of his father, Ramanbhai Patel, from cancer. This tragic loss motivated him to abandon the use of chemical fertilizers on his farm and embrace natural farming practices.
A nature lover by disposition, Kalpesh chose the path of natural farming in 2019. He received training from the Gujarat government’s agriculture department and learned to prepare “Jivamrit,” a natural fertilizer. This marked a new beginning for him.
Inheriting approximately eight bighas of land, Kalpesh has cultivated over 50 varieties of bananas on three and a half bighas, including Poojan, Aadhapuri, Rasthali, Lal Kela, Blue Java, Barrai, Mahalaxmi, and Elaichi bananas. His farm has also set records in production; in 2025, a single bunch of bananas weighed an impressive 73 kilograms, while the average weight of a bunch typically ranges between 20 to 30 kilograms.
Kalpesh revealed the reason behind his shift to natural farming, stating, “When my father was diagnosed with cancer, I realized that we needed to free ourselves from the poison of chemical fertilizers and also liberate Mother Earth from it. We had to turn to natural farming. My father used to spray a lot of pesticides, and the smell would linger on him. I never said anything as I was not involved in farming, but his illness and subsequent death changed my life.”
Discussing the benefits of natural farming, Kalpesh noted, “I have been practicing natural farming for the past seven years. I have also adopted the ‘Jungle Model.’ I add value to my farm products and sell them based on the principle of ‘My Goods, My Price.’ By switching to natural farming, I have eliminated the expenses of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which used to cost between ₹15,000 to ₹20,000 per bigha. Additionally, improved soil health has led to bumper banana production, generating an annual income of ₹10 to ₹12 lakh from my three and a half bighas.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged farmers across the country to abandon chemical farming and adopt natural farming, promoting organic fertilizers as alternatives to achieve self-sufficiency.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the state has gained momentum in promoting natural farming. Various schemes are in place to assist farmers in transitioning away from chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The state governor, Acharya Devvrat, is also actively working to encourage farmers towards natural agriculture.
The Gujarat government has initiated an experiment to sell natural farm products, establishing markets in various cities where farmers practicing natural farming can sell their products. Kalpesh sells bananas and other products at the agricultural market in Vesu, Surat. If raw bananas do not sell, he processes them into wafers and powders, enhancing his income through value addition.
Kalpesh Patel’s success story in natural farming has gained national attention. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has engaged with him and shared his inspiring journey on social media. Kalpesh receives orders from other states, which he dispatches via parcel services.