[Answered] What are the main constraints in adopting chemical-free farming in India? Suggest some measures to scale up chemical-free farming.

It is largely based on on-farm biomass recycling with major stress on biomass mulching, use of on-farm cow dung-urine formulations, periodic soil aeration and exclusion of all synthetic chemical inputs. Zero budget natural farming (ZNBF) is a method of chemical-free agriculture drawing from traditional Indian practices.
Natural Farming or chemical-free farming is a traditional farming method. It is considered as agro-ecology based diversified farming system which integrates crops, trees and livestock with functional biodiversity.

Major constraints in adopting chemical-free farming in India.

• Inertia from green revolution: green revolution promoted the use of chemical inputs to increase production which became the prevalent practice among farmers and they are resistant to change because of uncertainties.
• Decline in yields: Studies have shown that yields have gone down after a few years of adopting ZNBF. Sikkim has seen some decline in yields following conversion to organic farming. This becomes a constraint in adoption.
• Low expenditure by the government: The Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, which was meant to promote organic farming and soil health has seen average expenditure of Rs 300 crore only in the last 4 years. While, the Government spent Rs 27 lakh crore on fertilizer subsidy in 2020-2021.
• Lack of awareness in farmers: Majority of the farming communities are unaware of the benefits of Chemical free farming.
• Research on natural farming methods in early stages: The evidence available from the research is not enough to recommend large scale adoption of ZNBF or other natural farming methods.

Steps that may be taken scale chemical free farming in India.

• Increase Government funding: Enhance the budget of schemes targeting Natural farming to ensure availability of resources for promotion of natural farming.
• Focus on rain-fed areas: Focus on promoting natural farming in rainfed areas beyond the Gangetic basin, because the farmers stand to gain as the current crop yields in these areas are low.
• Crop insurance for yield losses: Enrolment of farmers transitioning to chemical-free farming into PM Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). Covering such risks could motivate farmers to embark on the transition.
• Ensure availability of inputs: Promote micro-enterprises that produce inputs for chemical-free agriculture. One of the barriers for farmers in transitioning to chemical-free agriculture is the lack of readily available natural inputs.
• Awareness campaign: Leverage NGOs and champion farmers who have been promoting and practising sustainable agriculture across the country. To educate farming communities in India through on-field demonstrations.
• Continued research and training: Efforts should be made to evolve the curriculum in agricultural universities, promote research and upskill the agriculture extension workers on sustainable agriculture practices.

Chemical free farming shall be pursued vigorously to ensure that Indian agriculture remains sustainable and tolerant in face future uncertainties.