Natural Farming in India- Explained Pointwise

The Union Cabinet has launched the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF). NMNF is a standalone Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, to promote chemical-free natural farming across India. The NMNF aims to revolutionize Indian agriculture by fostering chemical-free, eco-friendly farming practices, reducing input costs, improving soil health, and contributing to sustainable development.

In this article we will look at what is natural farming. We will delve into the process of natural farming. We will look at the benefits of natural farming and also the challenges associated with natural farming in India.

What is Natural Farming? What are the main pillars of Natural Farming?

Natural Farming is a chemical-free traditional farming method that relies on minimal external inputs and emphasizes sustainability. It is considered as an agroecology based diversified farming system which integrates crops, trees and livestock with functional biodiversity. It is largely based on on-farm biomass recycling with major stress on biomassmulching, use of on-farm cow dung-urine formulations; maintaining soil aeration and exclusion of all synthetic chemical inputs.

It is gaining popularity in India due to its reduced cost, improved soil health, and eco-friendly practices. It has many indigenous forms in India, the most popular one is practiced in Andhra Pradesh called Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF).

Four Pillars of Natural farming

What are the similarities and Differences between Organic and Natural Farming?

Similarities between Organic and Natural Farming

Organic and Natural farming are both non-chemical systems of farming. These are based on diversity, on-farm biomass management and biological nutrient recycling. Diversity, rotation multiple cropping and resource recycling are the key similarities between Organic and Natural Farming.

Differences between Organic and Natural Farming

What are other government initiatives to promote natural Farming in India?

Read More- Zero Budget Natural Farming

What is the significance of Natural Farming for India?

1. Reduction of India’s fertilizer subsidy bill- India’s fertilizer subsidy bill, driven by a spike in natural gas and other raw material prices, was around ₹1.3 trillion in 2021-22. Promoting natural farming can reduce these costs to the exchequer.

2. Improving small and marginal farmers’ income- It is estimated that natural farming will reduce cost of cultivation by 60-70%. A study undertaken by Andhra University (which surveyed over 3500 natural and conventional farms) revealed that average net returns from natural farming were 50% higher than conventional farming.

3. Reduced dependence on credit- A panel survey of 260 farm households which were surveyed in 2018-19 and 2019-20, found that natural farming reduced the dependence on credit, freeing many farmers from exploitative and interlinked input and credit markets.

4. More flexible than organic farming- Organic farming is more about certification, while natural farming is a gradual process. But, there is relative flexibility in natural farming for adoption. This makes it easier for small farmers to transition.

5. Benefit to end consumers- At present, consumers are forced to purchase food with chemical residues in it. Certified organic food is more expensive, but the sheer cost savings in natural farming can ensure safe food at affordable prices.

6. Environmental and Health Benefits- Improved soil health, fertility, and biodiversity due to natural farming will increase resilience to climate risks like waterlogging, floods, and droughts.

7. Reduction of Ocean acidification- Since natural farming eliminates chemical fertilisers and pesticides, it reduces ocean acidification and marine pollution from land-based activities.

8. Health Benefits- Reduced exposure to harmful chemicals improves the health of farmers and prevents carcinogenic disease.

What are the challenges in adopting natural farming?

1. Lack of Awareness and Knowledge- Limited access to training and capacity-building programs hampers their ability to effectively adopt natural farming.

2. Lack of adequate budgetary support- There is limited support from the Central Government with India’s National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture receiving only 0.8% of the agricultural budget.

3. Economic threats to India’s crop protection industry- India’s crop protection industry is valued at ₹18,000 crores. Promoting natural methods will threaten the very existence of their entire business ecosystem.

4. Lack of dedicated supply chains- Natural farming produce often lacks dedicated supply chains and certifications, making it hard to differentiate in the market.

5. Perceived Lower Yields- There are concerns about the perceived lower yields with the adoption of natural farming.

What should be done to promote natural farming?

1. Adoption of balanced approach while promoting natural farming- The experience of Sri Lanka must be kept in mind where the Government at once prohibited the use and import of chemical fertilizers leading to massive drop in production and shortage of food.

2. Adequate time and awareness campaigns- The government should provide adequate time, promote awareness campaigns. Civil Society Organizations can be engaged to promote farmer-to-farmer capacity building for sustainable agriculture. The Andhra model of widespread adoption of natural farming can be emulated.

3. Validation by scientific research- The Indian Council of Agricultural Research should design a curriculum on natural farming.

4. Shifting the National policy focus from food to nutrition security- Government should support the transition and bear short-term losses. Instead of input-based subsidies for fertilizer and power, the focus should be to incentivize outcomes like nutrition output, water conservation and desertification reversal.