Syllabus: GS3/Agriculture
Context
- Recently, the Prime Minister of India, at South India Natural Farming Summit in Tamil Nadu, declared that India is poised to become a global hub for natural farming, emphasizing its alignment with traditional wisdom, scientific innovation, and sustainable development.
| Highlights of South India Natural Farming Summit – The Prime Minister of India described natural farming as India’s indigenous idea, rooted in tradition and suited to the environment. – He emphasized making natural farming a science-backed movement, integrating traditional wisdom with modern research. – Adoption of ‘One Acre, One Season’ model, as practicing natural farming on one acre for one season to experience its benefits. Major Announcements – PM Modi released the 21st instalment of PM-KISAN, transferring ₹18,000 crore to 9 crore farmers across India. 1. ₹4 lakh crore has been directly transferred to small farmers’ accounts, enhancing agricultural resilience and financial inclusion till date. |
About Natural Farming
- It is a chemical-free agricultural method that relies on locally available resources such as cow dung, cow urine, biomass mulch, and indigenous seeds.
- It avoids synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, focusing instead on soil regeneration, biodiversity, and ecological balance.
- According to the NITI Aayog, Natural Farming is considered as an agroecology based diversified farming system which integrates crops, trees and livestock with functional biodiversity.
- According to the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF), the approach integrates livestock, diversified cropping systems, and traditional knowledge to restore soil health and reduce input costs.
- Pillars of Natural farming:
- Jivamrita & Ghanjivamrita;
- Bijamrita;
- Mulching and use of botanicals for plant protection;
- Wahpsa.
| Natural vs. Organic Farming | ||
| Feature | Natural Farming | Organic Farming |
| External Inputs | No external inputs allowed | Certified organic inputs permitted |
| Fertilizers & Pesticides | Uses cow dung, urine, biomass mulch | Uses compost, biofertilizers, neem-based pesticides |
| Soil Amendments | No mined minerals or supplements | Allows natural minerals like rock phosphate |
| Seed Use | Indigenous, untreated seeds | Organic-certified seeds preferred |
Related Challenges and Concerns
- Yield Uncertainty: Studies show mixed results—some report equal or better yields, others note initial drops, especially in high-demand crops.
- Lack of Awareness and Training: Many farmers are unfamiliar with natural farming techniques and require extensive capacity building.
- Market Access and Certification: Absence of formal certification systems makes it hard for farmers to command premium prices.
- Transition Period: Shifting from conventional to natural farming involves a learning curve and temporary yield fluctuations.
- Scientific Validation: More long-term, region-specific studies are needed to validate its effectiveness across diverse agro-climatic zones.
Key Efforts and Initiatives Related to Natural Farming
- National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF): It is a centrally sponsored scheme focused on chemical-free farming using local livestock, diversified cropping, and traditional knowledge.
- ₹2,481 crore (₹1,584 crore from the Centre; ₹897 crore from States) till 2025–26.
- NITI Aayog’s Natural Farming Initiative: It promotes natural farming for doubling farmers’ income and restoring soil health.
- It encourages reduction in chemical fertilizer use and supports community-led campaigns like ‘Muktikar Abhiyan’.
- State-Level Programs: Andhra Pradesh is integrating natural farming into its Swarnandhra Vision, emphasizing soil cover, crop diversity, and botanical pest management.
- Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Himachal Pradesh have adopted similar models under Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati (BPKP).
Other Efforts & Initiatives
- Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme: Farmers have received assistance exceeding ₹10 lakh crore in 2025 alone.
- Reduction in GST on bio-fertilizers: It has provided further economic relief to cultivators.
- Integration of Millets and Natural Farming: Describing millets as a superfood with global potential.
- Promoting Multi-Crop and Integrated Farming Models: In states like Kerala and Karnataka, farmers cultivate coconut, areca nut, fruits, spices, and black pepper on the same land—an embodiment of natural farming’s philosophy.
