The Government of Gujarat established Gujarat Natural Farming Science University, the first of its kind in India and the world, through the GNFSU Act No. 16 of 2017, amended by Act No. 2 of 2022 and further amended in 2023. The University is a visionary outcome of the Gujarat Organic Farming Policy–2015, The university is located at Jambudi Farm in Halol Taluka, Panchmahal District, and serves farmers and students across all eight agro-climatic zones of Gujarat. GNFSU aims to support sustainable agriculture through education, research, and extension.
Education
GNFSU provides high-quality education in natural farming through two colleges:
◈ College of Natural Farming, Halol
◈ College of Natural Farming, Amreli
The university offers programs such as:
◈ B.Sc. Agri (Hons.) Natural Farming
◈ M.Sc. in Natural Farming
Soon, GNFSU will also start Diploma and Ph.D. programs to provide more opportunities for students who want to study and work in Natural Farming. The goal is to create skilled professionals who understand both traditional wisdom and modern science in farming.
Research
GNFSU is involved in research to make natural farming more effective and profitable. The university has:
◈ Research Farm of 15 hectares of land
◈ Innovative farming models like Panchastariya and Lakshmidharpati that show how to grow multiple crops in layers
◈ A modern laboratory to prepare and test natural inputs such as Jeevamrit, Beejamrit, and Dashparni Ark,etc.
Researchers at GNFSU study soil health, crop growth, and natural pest and weed management to help farmers adopt eco-friendly techniques that work in real conditions.
Extension Education
GNFSU works closely with farmers, institutions, and rural communities to spread knowledge about natural farming. It has been:
◈ Designated as the Centre of Natural Farming under the National Mission on Natural Farming by the Government of India
◈ Chosen as the Implementing Agency for the 10,000 FPO (Farmer Producer Organization) initiative, helping more than 97 FPOs with training, certification, branding, and marketing of natural farm products
GNFSU also leads a special project to train 12,000 Krishi Sakhis—women farmers from 18,000 villages in Gujarat—to become local leaders in natural farming. Through training programs, partnerships with over 29 organizations, and regular workshops, seminars, training, organized GNFSU reaches more than 36,000 farmers every year.
