When a small group of farmers from the Padra district of Vadodara began their journey with Prakrutik Krushi, they were applying chemicals to their fields. The transition started through the ATMA (Agricultural Technology Management Agency) project – a Government of India initiative that provides periodic training to farmers on organic growing, food processing, nutrition management, and crop marketing.
Through ATMA training sessions, farmers gradually phased out pesticides and other harmful chemicals. This method combines vegetable cultivation with cattle rearing for producing natural fertilisers used for the soil of their farms. The transition phase looked difficult, but with the government’s support, it became easy. Giving a boost to farmers so that they can switch from chemical to organic. It will help them economically.
B.Sc. Hons in Agriculture covers various aspects of organic farming and sustainable agricultural practices, preparing students for the future of modern farming and agribusiness. These subjects also attract aspiring students during BSc Agriculture admission, as the programme equips them with both scientific knowledge and practical skills required in the evolving agricultural sector.
What started as a small group turned out to be a success, with approximately 400+ farmers joining in the project, and the Gujarat Prakrutik Vikas Board will encourage participation in platforms like AgriFest.
First Time at AgriFest: A Milestone for the Collective
AgriFest 2026, witnessed the project Prakrutik Krushi farmers. They represented themselves for the first time with an agenda of promoting organic farming and how it has helped them to connect directly with the consumers, researchers, students and others at a broader level.
The main aim was to remove the middleman and connect the farmers directly with the customers and give them fair pricing. Self-help groups led by youth and women are involved in this to strengthen the community-oriented dimension of the project.
During discussions at the pavilion, farmers identified that a major barrier to sustainable agriculture adoption is the lack of knowledge and education about these methods, especially in rural areas. They believe that platforms like AgriFest – where farmers, students, and scientists interact – are essential for creating awareness and encouraging adoption of organic practices.
Dhananjay Agri Seeds: From Farming Struggles to Seed Innovation
Another pavilion that told a powerful farmer-first story was Dhananjay Agri Seeds – a company founded in 2006 by a farmer who watched his grandfather struggle with traditional open-pollinated (OP) seed varieties. The experience revealed systemic problems with seed quality and performance, prompting him to build a company that develops hybrid seeds through controlled genetic enhancements.
The impact was measurable: farmers using Dhananjay’s hybrid seeds saw significant increases in crop yields, which directly improved their financial outcomes. The company expanded from Himatnagar to four states – Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh – and now offers over 70 seed varieties with a dedicated team of seven salespersons.
At AgriFest, Dhananjay Agri Seeds demonstrated the importance of proper sowing techniques, including spacing for transplants – combining product sales with farmer education. The company represents a true farmer-to-entrepreneur journey: observing real-life farming challenges and developing accessible, affordable solutions through research and determination.
How Parul University Students Bridge the Gap
The connection between Prakrutik Krushi, Dhananjay Agri Seeds, and Parul University is not coincidental. The university’s Extension Education initiative sends students to villages to conduct field surveys, build personal connections with farmers, identify grassroots challenges, and provide solutions or connect farmers with experts.
At AgriFest itself, the Soil Science department provided free soil analysis – pH levels, electrical conductivity, and nutrient composition – to farmers who typically make decisions based on experience rather than data. Bachelor of agriculture students demonstrated organic pest control formulations. Faculty members provided scientific assistance for specific crop challenges.
This is the model: students learn the science in labs and classrooms, apply it through extension education in villages, and showcase the results at AgriFest. Farmers receive the knowledge. Students develop practical skills. The cycle strengthens every year.
FAQ - Farmer Empowerment at AgriFest 2026
What is Prakrutik Krushi?
Prakrutik Krusi is a project initiated by the government involving approximately 400 farmers from Padra district of Vadoara. Through this project farmers will transition from chemical to organic farming styles, using natural fertilisers. This could all come together through ATMA (Agricultural Technology Management Agency) They were supported by the Gujarat Prakrutik Vikas Board and showcased their organic products at AgriFest 2026 for the first time.
What is ATMA in agriculture?
ATMA is a project launched and initiated by the government of India that trains the farmers on a timely basis. The training is related to organic farming, food processing, nutrition management, and crop marketing. The project was planned and launched to promote organic and sustainable farming, along with training farmers for a better future.
How does Parul University support farmers?
Farmers get support from the government as well as from Parul University for free soil testing. At AgriFest, Extension Education has initiated a tour for students where they visit the villages and find the farming challenges, organic pest control demonstration, and scientific advisory assistance, and these fests allow students to connect with farmers directly along with researchers and consumers.
