Background
- In 2019, Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) was renamed as Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati (BPKP) and made a part of the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), which promotes organic farming in India.
- Later, in 2023-24, BPKP was renamed again as the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) to give it a broader, national focus.
- Under BPKP, farmers were given financial support of ₹12,200 per hectare for 3 years to encourage natural farming practices.
Need
- There is a need to improve soil quality and ensure people get healthy, chemical-free food.
- This mission helps farmers lower their farming costs by reducing their dependence on expensive, store-bought fertilizers and pesticides.
- The main goal is to bring back traditional, eco-friendly farming methods in a scientific way so that farming becomes more sustainable, climate-friendly, and produces healthier food for everyone.
Major Highlights of the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)
- Aim:
- The goal is to encourage 1 crore farmers across India to adopt natural farming.
- Cluster-Based Approach:
- Around 15,000 village clusters will be chosen to focus efforts, making it easier to provide help and resources where needed.
- Bio-Input Resource Centers (BRCs):
- 10,000 special centers will be set up to supply farmers with natural fertilizers and other bio-inputs, so they don’t have to depend on chemical ones.
- Model Demonstration Farms:
- 2,000 model farms will be created at Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), agricultural universities, and on farmers’ own fields to show how natural farming works. Experienced Farmer Master Trainers will guide and support other farmers.
- Certification and Market Access:
- A simpler system for certification and special branding will help farmers sell their natural farming produce in the market more easily.
Natural Farming
Natural farming is a way of farming that works with nature, not against it. The idea is to grow crops in a way that’s healthy for both the environment and people, making farming sustainable for the long run.
It uses local knowledge, traditional practices, and methods suited to the local environment. The goal is to rely less on things bought from outside and build a farming system that takes care of itself over time.
Main practices in natural farming include:
- Less disturbance to the soil (no unnecessary ploughing or digging),
- Using natural, organic materials like compost and cow dung instead of chemicals,
- Growing different types of plants together (biodiversity) to keep the soil healthy,
- Saving water by using smart watering methods,
- Controlling pests naturally with homemade or natural solutions,
- Completely avoiding synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides.
Natural Vs. Organic Farming
| Aspect | Natural Farming | Organic Farming |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Minimal human intervention; works with nature’s processes | Follows specific standards and guidelines |
| Soil Treatment | Avoids tilling to preserve natural soil structure | Allows tilling |
| Fertilizers | No external fertilizers; relies on natural soil fertility | Uses organic fertilizers like compost and manure |
| Pest Control | Depends on natural pest management methods | Uses approved organic pesticides |
| External Inputs | Little to no external inputs | External organic inputs allowed |
| Certification | No formal certification system (earlier under BPKP/NMNF) | Strict certification process (e.g., NPOP, USDA Organic) |
| Chemicals & GMOs | Completely avoids synthetic chemicals and GMOs | Prohibits synthetic chemicals and GMOs |
| Regulation | Less structured, more traditional | Well-regulated with clear guidelines |
Benefits of Natural Farming
- Protects the Environment:
- Natural farming keeps the soil healthy, reduces pollution from harmful chemicals, and helps preserve plants, animals, and insects that are part of the farm’s ecosystem.
- Fights Climate Change:
- It encourages farming methods that can handle changes in the weather, like growing crops that need less water and using water more carefully.
- Healthier Food:
- Since no chemical fertilizers or pesticides are used, the food grown through natural farming is safer to eat and often more nutritious.
- Saves Money and Increases Income:
- Over time, farmers spend less on costly chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Plus, with healthier soil and better farming practices, farms can become more productive and profitable.
Government Initiative
- Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY): Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)
- This scheme promotes drip and sprinkler irrigation systems, which can be easily used in natural farming to save water and improve crop growth.
- Soil Health Card Scheme:
- Started in 2015, this scheme gives farmers Soil Health Cards with detailed information about the nutrients and pH levels of their soil. This helps farmers know exactly what their soil needs for better farming.
- National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA):
- Launched in 2014, this program supports eco-friendly farming methods like natural farming to improve soil health, save water, and boost crop productivity.
- National Organic Farming Research Institute (NOFRI):
- This institute works on developing better organic farming methods, improving soil quality, and promoting sustainable farming across the country.
- States Practicing Natural Farming:
- Many states in India have adopted natural farming. Some of the leading ones include Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Kerala, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
Challenges
- Understanding Local Conditions:
- Natural farming needs farmers to really know and understand their local soil, plants, and environment. Learning this can take time and experience.
- More Hard Work in the Beginning:
- When farmers shift to natural farming, it usually requires more manual work. In the early stages, the crop production might also be lower compared to regular chemical-based farming.
- Market Challenges:
- Even though organic and chemical-free food is becoming more popular, natural farming products don’t always fit into regular market systems or meet certification rules, which can make it harder for farmers to sell at better prices.
Way Forward
The government now understands that natural farming can help solve environmental problems, increase farmers’ earnings, and make sure there’s enough healthy food for everyone.
When these efforts are combined with the active involvement of local farmers and innovative ideas from different states, natural farming has the potential to shape a better, more sustainable future for agriculture in India.
Conclusion
Natural farming represents a powerful shift towards sustainable agriculture, aiming to restore harmony between farming practices and nature. By reducing dependence on costly chemical inputs and embracing traditional, eco-friendly methods, natural farming helps protect the environment, ensures healthier food for consumers, and offers long-term economic benefits to farmers. Government initiatives like the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF), alongside programs like PMKSY, Soil Health Cards, and NMSA, are actively supporting this movement. States across India are already adopting these practices, showing that with proper support and awareness, the transition is possible.
While challenges like learning local ecosystems, initial lower yields, and market acceptance remain, the combined efforts of the government, local communities, and research institutions make the future of natural farming in India bright and promising. With sustained commitment, natural farming can play a key role in building a resilient, healthy, and sustainable agricultural system for the country.
