AGM mela in Amreli; Gujarat Guv cautions against chemical fertilizers

In a unique move, the Annual General Meetings (AGMs) of several cooperative bodies were held collectively on Saturday in Amreli. Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat served as the Chief Guest, cautioning the delegates about the excessive use of chemical fertilizers, among other issues.

The event was hosted by National Cooperative Union of India (NCUI) President and prominent cooperator Dileepbhai Sanghani. By holding the AGMs jointly, cooperatives not only reduced costs but also simplified matters for members by minimizing travel.

In his address, Governor Devvrat emphasized the growing importance of natural farming and urged cooperatives to take the lead in promoting it. He stressed the need to raise social awareness among farmers regarding the benefits of natural farming, highlighting that cow dung and cow urine are advantageous for both agriculture and human health.

The governor warned that the overuse of chemical fertilizers is depleting soil fertility and reducing water absorption, ultimately leading to crop damage. He also noted the risks posed by crops grown with chemical fertilizers, linking them to serious health conditions such as heart attacks, cancer, diabetes, and kidney failure. Devvrat appealed to the farmers of Amreli to adopt chemical-free farming practices as soon as possible.

NCUI President Dileepbhai Sanghani echoed the governor’s concerns, focusing on the deteriorating quality of soil due to chemical fertilizers. He commended Devvrat’s promotion of natural farming and announced plans to establish a laboratory in the region for cow progeny—the second of its kind in India—to further support the natural farming movement.

Amreli MLA Kaushikbhai Vekariya praised Sanghani’s transparent leadership in cooperative activities, noting that his efforts are now receiving national recognition. MP Bharatbhai Sutiya also lauded Sanghani’s role in revitalizing the cooperative sector, which he said is vital for the economic progress of farmers in the district.

The event featured speeches by Gujarat BJP Youth President Prashant Korat and Vice-President Manish Sanghani, who underscored the importance of youth involvement in cooperative initiatives. They pointed out that cooperative programs in educational institutions are empowering the younger generation.

Mukeshbhai Sanghani delivered the vote of thanks. The gathering was attended by numerous cooperative leaders, Members of Parliament, MLAs, former legislators, and a large number of cooperative members, including farmers and women actively engaged in cooperative activities.