Natural farming is an environmentally friendly agricultural practice that avoids synthetic chemicals and promotes the use of natural resources like cow dung, urine, and biomass for cultivation. It seeks to restore soil health, enhance biodiversity, and reduce input costs for farmers. Recognizing the growing need for sustainable practices, the Government of India launched the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) to mainstream these eco-friendly techniques, helping farmers transition to chemical-free farming while ensuring food security.
The mission was officially announced in the Union Budget 2023-24 as a means to promote chemical-free farming across 1 crore hectares in the next five years. This initiative aligns with India's commitment to achieving climate resilience and sustainable development in agriculture.
Highlights of the National Mission on Natural Farming
The NMNF serves as a comprehensive framework for promoting natural farming at a national scale. Key highlights include:
Coverage Area: Aimed at transitioning 1 crore hectares of farmland to natural farming methods.
Farmer-Centric Approach: Focus on training and empowering farmers with knowledge of natural farming techniques.
Decentralized Input Production: Emphasis on locally sourced inputs like Jeevamrit (fermented microbial culture) and Beejamrit (seed treatment solutions).
Demonstration Plots: Setting up 20,000 demonstration plots to showcase the benefits of natural farming.
Collaboration: Partnering with NGOs, universities, and agricultural institutions for research and capacity building.
Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF)
Zero Budget Natural Farming is an integral part of NMNF and is gaining momentum for its low-cost farming approach. Developed by Subhash Palekar, ZBNF advocates farming without external inputs like fertilizers and pesticides. Instead, it relies on natural cycles and resources available on farms, such as:
Jeevamrit: A bio-stimulant made from cow dung, urine, jaggery, and water.
Beejamrit: A seed treatment formula using cow dung and urine to enhance germination.
Mulching: Covering soil with organic matter to retain moisture and enrich fertility.
Natural Pest Management: Using neem leaves, cow urine, and other natural deterrents.
By drastically reducing input costs, ZBNF makes farming economically viable, especially for small and marginal farmers.
Natural Farming vs. Organic Farming
Though often used interchangeably, natural farming and organic farming have distinct differences:
Aspect
Natural Farming
Organic Farming
Chemical Use
Zero usage of chemicals
Prohibits synthetic chemicals but allows bio-fertilizers.
External Inputs
Minimal to zero external inputs
Requires certified organic fertilizers and seeds.
Certification
No certification process
Requires formal organic certification.
Soil Health Focus
Emphasis on natural cycles
Relies on organic inputs for soil enrichment.
Cost
Low-cost farming
Moderately expensive due to certification and input costs.
Environmental Sustainability: Improves soil health, water retention, and biodiversity.
Climate Resilience: Helps mitigate the effects of climate change through carbon sequestration and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Healthy Produce: Provides chemical-free food, enhancing public health.
Employment Generation: Promotes rural entrepreneurship through decentralized bio-input production.
For example, in Andhra Pradesh, over 5 lakh farmers have adopted natural farming practices under the ZBNF initiative, reporting a 20% increase in yields and reduced cultivation costs.
Challenges in Implementing Natural Farming
Lack of Awareness: Farmers often lack knowledge of natural farming techniques.
Yield Concerns: Fear of reduced short-term yields deters adoption.
Market Linkages: Difficulty in ensuring premium pricing for naturally farmed produce.
Policy Support: Limited financial incentives for farmers transitioning from conventional methods.
Infrastructure Gaps: Inadequate facilities for bio-input production and distribution.
Government Initiatives to Promote Natural Farming
Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati (BPKP): Under the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), it supports traditional farming practices.
National Mission on Natural Farming: Provides financial assistance, capacity building, and research support.
Budgetary Allocations: Increased funding for demonstration plots and farmer training programs.
Digital Initiatives: Platforms like the “Meri Fasal Mera Byora” app connect farmers with resources and markets.
State-Specific Programs: Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat have pioneered large-scale ZBNF projects.
Way Forward
Awareness Campaigns: Launching mass awareness drives to educate farmers about the benefits of natural farming.
Research and Development: Invest in R&D for crop-specific natural farming techniques.
Incentivizing Transition: Providing financial subsidies and technical assistance to farmers.
Market Linkages: Creating dedicated supply chains for naturally farmed produce with fair pricing mechanisms.
Collaborations: Partnering with private sectors, NGOs, and international organizations to scale efforts.
Conclusion
The National Mission on Natural Farming represents a paradigm shift toward sustainable agriculture in India. By empowering farmers with low-cost, eco-friendly practices, it addresses the twin challenges of environmental degradation and farmer distress. However, for NMNF to realize its full potential, it requires consistent policy support, robust infrastructure, and active participation from all stakeholders.
Natural farming is not just a method; it is a movement that redefines our relationship with nature, ensuring prosperity for farmers and health for future generations.
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