Farming is not only related to just cultivate the soil and grow plants rather it is one of the first thing that Homo sapiens have invented in the earth. It is a continuous learning process and with time we have developed several techniques of farming. Today we have the concepts of natural farming which is also focused by Indian government to bring it in the main stream agriculture industry.
So, let’s go deep in the concepts of natural farming and also the recent scheme of Indian government to enhance the natural farming.
• In a general way, the term natural farming is the method of using local resources and indigenous knowledge to cultivate the soil and grow crops. As it relies on natural, it involves zero chemical addition into the soil and plants.
• Natural farming is based on an idea that every resource in the nature has something crucial role to play in its environment. It has a principle that nature is all set to heal itself and able to maintain a constant balance for its existence.
• In other words, natural farming is a chemical free farming system with the involvement of resource recycling and efficient utilization of the ecosystem.
• It comes under the agro-ecology based diversified farming system integrating the crops, trees and livestock with the adoption of bio mass mulching.
• Natural farming helps in reducing the dependency on costly inputs, for that reason it is considered to be as a cost-effective.
• It restores soil health, diversity maintenance, animal welfare, local resource and farming occurs naturally without much human hinderance.
• Niti Ayog stated the that natural farming is a system where natural laws are applied to the agricultural practices. Further, it works along with the natural biodiversity of the farm and enhancing the farm complexity of both flora and fauna.
• The concept of natural farming was firstly introduced by Masanobu Fukuoka, a Japanese farmer & philosopher. It is also referred as ‘the Fukuoka Method’, ‘the natural way of farming, or ‘do nothing farming’.
• He was credited to introduce the term ‘Natural Farming’ in his book ‘The One Straw Revolution” in the year 1975.
• According to him natural farming has the relation with the fertility farming, organic farming, sustainable agriculture, agroecology, agroforestry, eco-agriculture and permaculture, but should be distinguished from biodynamic agriculture.
• India is developing several strategies for adopting natural farming and states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Kerala are successfully moving forward in this concept.
• However, currently adoption process is in early stage and gaining popularity among the farming community.
• On an average, till now 10 lakh ha. area is considered to be adopted for the natural farming.
• It majorly involves the use of local available resource like cow dung and urine i.e., no external inputs.
• Uses biomass which is available in the farm. This mainly involves recycling of the biomass.
e.g. Bijamrita and Jivamrita.
• Maintenance of the soil aeration to facilitate the growth of development of the soil fauna.
• All type of chemical fertilizers and pesticides must not be used in this type of farming tradition.
• Crop cover and mulching with organic materials for creating micro climate for good soil health.
• Maintenance of mega diversity on farm by mixed cropping and also planting trees.
• It should aim to preserve natural flora & fauna, restore soil health, efficient land utilization and natural resources like light, air and water.
• Preserve natural beneficial organisms in the ecosystem as well as local breeds for livestock’s integration.
• The main objective of natural farming is to reduce cost of cultivation so that the economics of the farmers will be improved.
• Main principles of natural farming states that 98% of plant nutrients are obtained from air, water and sunlight. Remaining is provided by soil and microorganisms.
• Soil should be covered by mulches.
• Fertilizers are avoided, rather bio formulations are used. These are obtained by cow dung and urine.
• Enhancing farmers income by reducing cost of cultivation and provides additional environmental benefits.
• No ploughing, no tilling of soil and no weeding is suggested. All these operations are to be done through natural means.
• Pests are managed by neem extracts and naturally available insecticides.
•Mono cropping is avoided, instead adoption of multi cropping system.
• This was launched by The Union Cabinet under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. It is a centrally sponsored scheme under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.
• It was launched on Monday, Nov 25, 2024.
• It carries a total outlay of Rs. 2481 crore till the finance commission 2025- 26. In this GOI shares Rs. 1584 crore while state shares Rs. 897 crores.
•This scheme promotes the concepts of natural farming across the country.
• Under the mission, farmers are supported by providing assistance and thereby reducing their cost of cultivation.
• For the future goals, NMNF will make 15,000 clusters in gram panchayats and initiate natural farming in 7.5 Ha area.
• Further, around 2000 NF Model Demonstration Farms are to be created at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Agricultural University and farmer’s field.
• Farmers are provided with the certification system and branding for the natural farming produce.
• Also, students are integrated with the NMNF scheme by their RAWE programs.
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