Natural Farming: Key Concepts & Benefits for UPSC Preparation

Introduction

• Natural Farming has emerged as a transformative approach to sustainable agriculture, offering a chemical-free, eco-friendly alternative to conventional methods. 
• The Union Cabinet’s recent launch of the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) underscores the government’s commitment to promoting natural farming practices across the country.
•  This initiative, under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, aims to reduce input costs, improve soil health, and foster sustainable development while addressing critical environmental challenges.

What is Natural Farming?

• Natural Farming is a traditional, chemical-free farming system that emphasizes minimal external inputs and sustainable practices. 
• It integrates crops, livestock, and trees into an agroecology-based system, promoting biodiversity and the natural recycling of nutrients. By eliminating synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, natural farming enhances soil health, reduces cultivation costs, and improves resilience to environmental stresses.
• This method has deep roots in India, with Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF), a model from Andhra Pradesh, leading the way. 
• ZBNF has gained significant traction for its cost-effectiveness and focus on self-sufficiency, making it a practical solution for small and marginal farmers.

The Four Pillars of Natural Farming

Jivamrita and Ghanjivamrita:

• • These bio-stimulants are prepared by fermenting cow dung, urine, jaggery, and pulse flour.
  • They boost microbial activity in the soil, enriching it with essential nutrients.

Bijamrita:

• • A seed treatment solution made from cow dung and urine.
  • It protects young roots from soil-borne diseases and promotes healthy growth.

Whapsa:

• • This involves maintaining soil moisture and green cover throughout the year.
  • It helps retain water, enhances soil aeration, and nurtures beneficial microorganisms.

Acchadana (Mulching):

• • Crop residues are used to cover the soil, preserving moisture and preventing weed growth.
  • This process also enriches the soil with organic matter over time.

How Natural Farming Differs from Organic Farming? 

• Similarities: Both Natural Farming and Organic Farming avoid synthetic chemicals, focus on sustainable practices, and rely on crop diversity, rotation, and on-farm nutrient recycling.
• Chemical-Free Practices: 
  • Both farming systems avoid synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides to ensure non-toxic agricultural practices.
  •  Example: In Sikkim, India’s first fully organic state, farmers rely on bio-fertilizers and natural pest management, similar to the techniques used in Natural Farming.
• Biodiversity Promotion: 
  • Emphasis on crop rotation, intercropping, and integrating livestock with crops to maintain ecological balance. 
  • Example: In Andhra Pradesh’s Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF), intercropping with legumes enriches soil nitrogen, while livestock provides manure for natural inputs.

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• Soil Health Management:
  •  Both systems improve soil fertility through organic matter recycling, mulching, and biological inputs.
  •  Example: Punjab’s organic wheat farmers use vermicompost and crop residues for mulching, while Natural Farming relies on Jeevamrit and Bijamrit to boost soil microbes.
• Sustainability: 
  • They aim to create self-sustaining ecosystems that reduce environmental degradation. 
  • Example: In Himachal Pradesh, apple orchards under organic farming integrate green manures, similar to Natural Farming’s practice of mulching with crop residues.
• On-Farm Resource Utilization: 
  • Promoting farm-generated resources minimizes reliance on external inputs. 
  • Example: In Gujarat, natural farming advocates use cow dung and urine to prepare Jeevamrit and Bijamrit, which replace the need for purchased fertilizers.
• Focus on Ecosystem Services:
  •  Supporting natural processes such as pollination, water retention, and carbon sequestration enhances ecosystem health. 
  • Example: In Kerala, organic spice plantations conserve native pollinators and reduce water usage through mulching, akin to practices in Natural Farming.
• Climate Resilience: 
  • Both systems enhance resilience to climate risks like droughts, floods, and soil erosion by improving soil structure and organic content.
  •  Example: In Maharashtra, organic sugarcane farms utilize bio-mulching to combat water scarcity, paralleling the Whapsa practice in Natural Farming to retain soil moisture.
• Differences:

Why Natural Farming is Significant for India? 

• Lower Fertilizer Subsidy Burden:
  • India’s fertilizer subsidy bill reached ₹1.3 trillion in 2021-22, driven by the high costs of natural gas and other inputs. Natural farming eliminates the need for synthetic fertilizers, offering a cost-effective alternative.
  • Example: In Gujarat, widespread adoption of natural farming practices like Jeevamrit has reduced reliance on chemical fertilizers, leading to lower government expenditure on subsidies.
• Higher Farmer Incomes:
  • Farmers practicing natural farming report 50% higher net returns due to significantly reduced input costs and improved soil productivity.
  • Example: Andhra University’s survey of over 3,500 farms in Andhra Pradesh found that natural farming reduced costs by 60-70%, boosting profitability for small and marginal farmers.
• Reduced Credit Dependence:
  • Natural farming minimizes reliance on costly inputs, reducing farmers’ dependence on exploitative credit markets.
  • Example: A panel survey in Andhra Pradesh revealed that farmers practicing Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) had lower debts compared to conventional farmers, enabling greater financial independence.
• Consumer Benefits:
  • Affordable, chemical-free food produced through natural farming addresses growing health concerns related to pesticide residues in food.
  • Example: In Maharashtra, natural farming initiatives have introduced affordable, pesticide-free vegetables in local markets, catering to health-conscious consumers.
• Environmental Sustainability:
  • Natural farming improves soil fertility and biodiversity, making farmland more resilient to climate risks like droughts, floods, and soil erosion.
  • Example: In Himachal Pradesh, natural farming has enhanced resilience to erratic weather conditions, with farmers reporting better water retention and reduced soil degradation.
• Ocean Health:
  • By eliminating chemical fertilizers, natural farming reduces nutrient runoff into water bodies, mitigating ocean acidification and marine pollution.
  • Example: In coastal Tamil Nadu, farmers practicing natural farming have observed decreased chemical runoff, improving the health of nearby aquatic ecosystems.
• Health Advantages:
  • The absence of harmful chemicals protects farmers and consumers from exposure to toxic substances, reducing the risk of diseases such as cancer.
  • Example: In Punjab, where pesticide use has been linked to rising cancer rates, natural farming initiatives are being promoted as a safer alternative for both farmers and consumers.

Challenges in Scaling Natural Farming

• Awareness and Training:
  • Many farmers lack awareness and access to proper training programs on natural farming techniques, leaving them unaware of its benefits and implementation processes. This gap significantly hampers adoption.
  • Example: A 2019 survey conducted by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) revealed that only 28% of farmers in Uttar Pradesh had heard of natural farming, and less than 10% were familiar with its techniques such as Jeevamrit and Bijamrit.
• Budget Constraints:
  • The National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), which includes support for natural farming, receives only 0.8% of the total agricultural budget, which is insufficient for scaling such a transformative practice.
  • Example: In 2021-22, the agriculture sector received ₹1.23 lakh crore in budget allocation, but only ₹1,000 crore was earmarked for sustainable agriculture initiatives, including natural farming. This funding gap limits the ability to provide subsidies or support for transitioning farmers, especially in states like Madhya Pradesh and Bihar.
• Market and Certification Issues:
  • The absence of organized supply chains and certification systems makes it difficult for farmers to market their produce as “natural,” often resulting in lower returns despite producing high-quality, chemical-free crops.
  • Example: A report by the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) in 2020 found that less than 15% of natural farming practitioners in Andhra Pradesh could access premium markets due to the lack of certification and branding infrastructure, resulting in dependence on local markets with lower margins.
• Economic Threats to the Agrochemical Industry:
  • The ₹18,000 crore agrochemical industry faces significant disruption with the rise of natural farming. This creates resistance from vested interests, including chemical companies and their distribution networks, which are deeply embedded in India’s agricultural supply chains.
  • Example: In Punjab, where agrochemical sales make up a large portion of agricultural input costs, lobbying by pesticide companies against natural farming policies has slowed adoption. Between 2020 and 2022, efforts to expand natural farming under pilot schemes saw limited success, with only 6% of targeted farmers transitioning.
• Yield Perception:
  • Concerns about potential yield reductions during the initial years of transition to natural farming deter farmers, particularly in regions where high yields are vital for economic survival.
  • Example: In Haryana, studies by the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE) showed that farmers practicing monocropping of wheat and rice feared a 15-20% drop in yields during the first two years of adopting natural farming, even though long-term data suggest yield stabilization and higher profitability through improved soil health.
• Resistance to Change:
  • Long-standing dependence on conventional chemical-based farming practices creates inertia among farmers who are hesitant to shift to natural farming.
  • Example: In Punjab and Haryana, where Green Revolution practices dominate, over 70% of farmers surveyed in a 2021 TERI report expressed reluctance to adopt natural farming, citing risks of production loss and unfamiliarity with the practices.
• Lack of Dedicated Infrastructure:
  • The absence of cold storage, processing units, and distribution networks tailored to natural farming produce hinders its scalability.
  • Example: A 2020 study by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) found that less than 5% of natural farming produce in Himachal Pradesh could reach organized markets due to inadequate storage and transportation infrastructure.
• Unorganized Farmer Networks:
  • The absence of cohesive farmer groups focused on natural farming limits knowledge-sharing and collective bargaining power.
  • Example: A 2021 study in Uttar Pradesh found that only 6% of farmers practicing natural farming were part of cooperatives or farmer-producer organizations, reducing their ability to negotiate better prices or share best practices.

Government Initiatives Supporting Natural Farming

• Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati (BPKP):
  • This is a sub-mission under the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) that focuses on promoting traditional and indigenous farming practices.
  • Encourages farmers to shift away from chemical inputs and adopt on-farm resources such as Jeevamrit and Bijamrit.
  • Impact: As of 2023, BPKP has been implemented in over 16 states, benefiting more than 6 lakh farmers across India.
• Namami Gange Initiative:
  • Under this program, natural farming is promoted along a five-kilometer corridor on both sides of the Ganga River.
  • The initiative aims to integrate sustainable agriculture with river rejuvenation and environmental conservation.
  • Impact: According to the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the program has reached over 150,000 farmers in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Uttarakhand, reducing chemical runoff into the river.
• State-Level Policies:
  • Andhra Pradesh: A leader in natural farming, the state adopted Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) as its policy in 2015. As of 2022, over 8 lakh farmers have transitioned to ZBNF across 3.9 million acres.
  • Gujarat: Launched the “Natural Farming through Cow-based Economy” initiative in 2020, which incentivizes the use of cow dung and urine for natural inputs.
  • Himachal Pradesh: Integrated natural farming under its Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana, covering over 100,000 farmers by 2022.
• National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF):
  • Launched in 2023 as a standalone Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.
  • Focuses on promoting chemical-free farming practices, reducing input costs, and improving soil health.
  • Impact: Targets converting 1 million hectares into natural farming lands by 2026, with significant financial and technical support for farmers.
• Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY):
  • PKVY promotes organic farming, but its sub-components like BPKP overlap with natural farming goals by reducing external input dependence and promoting indigenous practices.
  • Impact: As of 2021, PKVY has supported organic and natural farming on over 14 lakh hectares nationwide.
• Natural Farming under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY):
  • Provides states with financial autonomy to invest in innovative agricultural practices, including natural farming.
  • Example: Rajasthan has utilized RKVY funds to train over 50,000 farmers in natural farming techniques.
• ICAR Initiatives for Research and Training:
  • The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) conducts research and pilot programs to scientifically validate natural farming practices.
  • Example: The ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research Management has developed modules for training 10,000 agricultural extension workers in natural farming techniques.
• Digital Platforms for Natural Farming:
  • Platforms like Kisan Sarathi and eNAM (National Agriculture Market) promote awareness about natural farming and provide market linkages for natural produce.
  • Impact: Farmers in Himachal Pradesh and Maharashtra are using these platforms to access training videos and connect with buyers.
• Cluster-Based Development:
  • Under schemes like PKVY, natural farming clusters are created, with each cluster covering at least 50 farmers practicing chemical-free agriculture.
  • Impact: As of 2022, 4,000 such clusters have been formed across the country.
• State-Led Incentives and Subsidies:
  • States like Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh provide financial incentives to farmers transitioning to natural farming, including subsidies for biogas plants and vermicomposting units.
  • Example: Madhya Pradesh’s organic corridors along Narmada River integrate natural farming with ecological conservation efforts.

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Way Forward

• Gradual Transition:
  • Abrupt changes, like Sri Lanka’s ban on chemical fertilizers, can lead to production losses. A phased approach is essential for successful implementation.
• Awareness and Capacity Building:
  • Nationwide campaigns and farmer-to-farmer training programs, inspired by Andhra Pradesh’s model, can accelerate adoption.
• Scientific Research and Validation:
  • Institutions like ICAR should conduct extensive research to validate natural farming practices and develop a dedicated curriculum.
• Policy Shift:
  • Focusing on nutrition security rather than just food security can encourage sustainable practices. Incentives should target outcomes like water conservation and soil health.
• Market Development:
  • Establishing supply chains, certifications, and branding for natural farming produce will boost farmer confidence and consumer trust.