Source: The Tribune
Context:
At a recent meet hosted by NABARD at Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur, agricultural experts highlighted the importance of cluster-based natural farming models. The approach promotes collective adoption of sustainable, chemical-free farming practices among geographically proximate farmers, enhancing productivity, resilience, and market linkages.
What is Cluster-Based Natural Farming?
- Cluster-based natural farming involves a group of farmers in a defined area (typically 50+ hectares) adopting natural farming practices together.
- Key Features:
- Shared bio-input production and resources
- Joint training and extension support
- Collective marketing and value-chain integration
- Risk sharing through diversified cropping and livestock integration
- Objective: Make natural farming economically viable, scalable, and sustainable.
Benefits of Cluster-Based Natural Farming
- Sustainability and Ecological Balance
- Reduces dependency on chemical fertilizers and pesticides
- Improves soil health, biodiversity, and water conservation
- Economies of Scale
- Shared resources and pooled inputs reduce costs per farmer
- Enables bulk procurement and production of bio-inputs
- Knowledge Sharing & Capacity Building
- Farmers access training, demonstrations, and expert guidance collectively
- Encourages adoption of scientific and indigenous practices
- Market Linkages & Income Security
- Aggregated produce helps secure better prices and market access
- Promotes value addition and supply-chain integration
- Risk Mitigation
- Diversified crops and livestock reduce climate and market risks
- Strengthens resilience of small and marginal farmers
Key Highlights from the NABARD Meet
- Promotion of Indigenous Practices: Experts stressed integrating indigenous cattle breeds and local crop varieties.
- Holistic Approach: Focus on crop-livestock integration, fodder production, and sustainable water management.
- Institutional Support: Collaboration between agricultural universities, NABARD, and extension services is crucial for farmer training, cluster setup, and supply-chain support.
- Replication Potential: Cluster-based models are scalable and adaptable for diverse agro-climatic zones, including Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Jharkhand.
Policy Alignment
| Policy Objective | Role of Cluster-Based Natural Farming |
|---|---|
| Sustainable agriculture | Promotes chemical-free, soil-friendly practices |
| Farmer income enhancement | Collective marketing ensures better price realization |
| Climate resilience | Crop diversification and livestock integration reduce risk |
| SDG alignment | Contributes to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption), and SDG 15 (Life on Land) |
Challenges Identified
- Initial Yield Uncertainty: Farmers may face short-term yield dips during transition from conventional farming.
- Resource Requirements: Need for bio-input production units, training centers, and seed banks.
- Market Linkages: Effective aggregation, certification, and access to buyers are essential to ensure economic sustainability.
Relevance to Jharkhand and Other States
- Jharkhand has identified 12 districts for 88 natural farming clusters, demonstrating the scalability and replicability of this model.
- Cluster-based natural farming can empower smallholders, enhance livelihoods, reduce input costs, and strengthen local ecosystems.
- Provides a pathway for sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture, especially in regions dependent on rainfed or marginal lands.
