Gandhinagar: The vision to position Gujarat as a leader in milk production has gained renewed momentum. The agriculture, horticulture, and animal husbandry sectors are experiencing exponential growth through a combination of natural farming and advanced technology. This holistic approach is contributing to the state’s circular economy, benefiting its citizens, and advancing Gujarat’s global reputation in the dairy sector. Currently, the dairy industry in Gujarat has exceeded one lakh crore, with ₹200 crore being paid daily to 36 lakh milk producers through the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF). The globally recognized Amul brand, a product of GCMMF, stands as a testament to the hard work of millions of Animal husbandry farmers. One such progressive Animal husbandry farmer is Jayeshbhai Shambhubhai Patel from Zarola village in Anand’s Borsad taluka.

Resigned from the position of a surveyor to pursue a career in animal husbandry

Jayeshbhai Patel, a 51-year-old person, performed as a surveyor in Vadodara and Mumbai for 18 years. Despite having a small-scale animal husbandry operation on a 1.5-acre plot of land within his family, Jayeshbhai, having a scientific approach, advanced education, business acumen, and rural sensibilities, embarked on expanding his ventures in animal husbandry and agriculture. He says, “I currently maintain a pack of 10 to 12 cows. I ensure they receive regular and timely feeding, and I have organized their feeding schedules to ensure they produce the specified quantity of milk each day. A dedicated shed has been built to shelter the cows, and a milking machine has been installed for efficiency. Currently, with the milk being supplied to Amul, the monthly income is around one and a half lakh.”

For the past decade, Jayeshbhai has been dedicated to natural farming. Utilizing cow dung and cow urine, he produces fertilizers and pesticides, applying them to grow vegetables, fodder for cows, and essential crops on his land. Furthermore, he generates additional income by manufacturing fertilizer from dung and selling it to neighbouring farmers. Upon entering their home, the aroma of incense made from cow dung fills the air.

Amul facilitated them to receive what they desired

Committed to the welfare of farmers and Animal husbandry farmers, Amul has transformed the dairy industry. With offerings including comprehensive training, quality seeds, milk procurement services, artificial insemination, and a scientific approach to animal husbandry, the Amul team is consistently present on the field. Speaking of Amul’s contribution, Jayeshbhai enthusiastically says, “Amul helped us a lot in providing us with high-quality seeds, that helped improve breeding and subsequently increased production. We now receive a better income which boosts our enthusiasm. Plus, our efforts to gather knowledge also strengthened, and we gained an understanding of various aspects. Amul has been instrumental in helping us achieve our goals.”

I ensure to attend every Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit

As Gujarat prepares for the upcoming Vibrant Summit 2024, Jayeshbhai emphasizes the summit’s significance for the overall development of the state. He states, “I never miss a single Vibrant Summit. This summit is important to me. Many people, like myself, attend this summit and gain numerous benefits. I consistently leverage the advantages of Vibrant.” Engaged in the fields of animal husbandry and nature, Jayeshbhai extends training across the state in areas such as animal husbandry, natural farming, and the development of various business models within these sectors. His guidance has not only increased the income of numerous farmers but has also motivated them to transition to natural farming.