Natural farming is an agro-ecology-based diversified farming system that integrates crops, trees and livestock with functional biodiversity. This model eliminates the use of costly chemical inputs like fertilizers, pesticides, hormones etc. and promotes the use of locally available natural resources. As a part of this practice, natural ingredients like cow dung, urine, jaggery, pulses, manure and water are used which help in increasing the organic matter in the soil.
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importance of natural farming
Natural farming has many meanings. photo credit: iStock
Natural farming is a sustainable farming approach that aims to reduce production costs and return to agricultural practices prior to the Green Revolution. Working with the principles of eliminating the use of chemical fertilizers and herbicides and tillage, as well as reducing reliance on chemicals, the technology aims to protect the environment, public health and communities.
The practice has the potential to enable food production, ensure food security, and solve industry bottlenecks without compromising the needs of future generations. It provides a host of benefits to farmers, crops and the agriculture industry, such as:
ensuring better health
Since natural farming eliminates the use of chemicals, the health hazards and risks are reduced. As a result, the food has a higher nutritional density and provides more health benefits.
increasing the income of farmers
The technology aims to make farming viable and aspirational by increasing net income of farmers due to cost reduction, less risk, uniform yield and income from intercropping.
Eating local produce generates income for farmers.
improving soil health
Working with an agro-ecological approach, the practice has a positive effect on soil biology – on microbes and other living organisms such as earthworms. It enhances soil health and in turn increases productivity.
reduce production positions
Natural farming significantly reduces production costs by encouraging farmers to produce crops using on-farm, natural and household resources.
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Natural farming as a healing source
The Indian agriculture industry relies heavily on chemicals that often damage the produce and reduce the nutritional value of food. It also leads to more pest attacks on crops for which farmers have to depend on pesticides. And eventually, because of soil damage, more and more chemicals are used to restore soil health. In this process the crop yield is greatly affected and the farmer gets trapped in the vicious cycle of poverty. Extreme climate change and global warming have added to the crisis.
Today, the demand for food and the cost of food production are increasing significantly. To meet this growing need and bridge the gaps in the demand-supply chain, we need innovative solutions. Natural farming is one such revolutionary practice that can increase the current agricultural productivity. Various sub-techniques of this practice, such as organic farming, diversification, and agro-ecological farming, can be adapted to meet the needs of an evolving agricultural market.
India is a food-surplus country; Therefore, natural farming can be easily promoted and practiced as an alternative to chemical farming. Even NITI Aayog has highlighted the need to ensure immediate transition to this innovative model as it will help transform the Indian agriculture landscape.
Government’s efforts to promote natural farming
Recognizing the importance of natural farming, the government is making concerted efforts to encourage its adoption and application in the agriculture sector. In fact, natural farming will soon be a full-fledged subject in the agriculture education curriculum as well. Additionally, the government has announced its plan to assist one crore farmers to transition to natural farming over the next three years. Initiatives like Program for Restoration, Awareness, Nurturing and Improvement of Mother Earth (PM PRANAM) will be launched to encourage States and Union Territories to promote balanced use of alternative fertilizers and chemical fertilizers. The government has also formulated the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) as a separate and independent scheme by 2023-2024 by scaling up the Indian Natural Farming System (BPKP). But for all these initiatives to be successful, it is imperative that farmers facilitate a rapid transition from chemical-based inputs to cow-based, locally produced inputs.
Bottom-line
Slash and burn method of agriculture also leads to soil erosion.
Given the current scenario, soil erosion is a serious issue, so only 30 years of the crop will be left for consumption. In the face of challenges such as growing population and increasing demand for healthy produce by consumers, natural farming is definitely necessary. It is a revolutionary approach that will help improve crop yield and increase farmers’ income. The practice has the potential to reduce the risk of crop failure, help conserve soil and water resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and pollution, and even promote biodiversity. However, now is the right time to facilitate this change, and therefore, it is vital that we act now.
About the Author: Dr. Deepak Birewar is the Chairman and Managing Director of Inventis Research Company.