Union Home Minister Amit Shah, known for his high-paced political life and central role in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has offered a rare glimpse into his post-retirement aspirations. Speaking at an event in Ahmedabad, the 60-year-old leader shared that he envisions dedicating his later years to the study of the Vedas, Upanishads, and natural farming.
While interacting with women and cooperative activists from Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh, Shah said, “After retirement, I want to immerse myself in the teachings of our ancient scriptures and dedicate time to natural farming.”
The Home Minister, who also oversees the Ministry of Cooperation, elaborated on his interest in sustainable agriculture. He warned of the health hazards caused by chemically-grown crops, citing links to cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, and thyroid disorders.
“Food grown with chemical fertilisers is often at the root of these issues,” he said. “Consuming naturally grown food could reduce the need for medicines.”
Shah spoke from experience, revealing that he practices organic farming on his own land. According to him, natural farming not only improves health outcomes but also boosts crop yield by up to 1.5 times.
He explained how organic practices help retain rainwater and restore the land’s fertility, in contrast to synthetic fertilisers that degrade the soil and kill beneficial organisms like earthworms.
“Earthworms are nature’s factories of urea and other nutrients, but we’ve destroyed them with chemicals,” Shah lamented.
Beyond agriculture, Shah also reflected on his political journey, noting that while the Home Ministry is considered prestigious, the Ministry of Cooperation holds deeper meaning for him due to its grassroots connection with farmers, women, and rural communities.
The event, Sahkar Samvaad, also featured stories from women cooperative members who’ve transformed their lives through self-help and rural enterprise—underscoring the importance of grassroots collaboration in India’s development.
