Natural Farming: The Next Generation Farming

Introduction

Natural Farming is essential to save the planet from pollution by injudicious use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. The Green Revolution in India resulted in the development of new seed varieties that promoted monoculture and injudicious use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides but caused degradation of soil health, declining per hectare productivity, reduced biodiversity, pesticide pollution, and increased pest resistance (Source). 

Higher debt on farmers, increased farmer suicides, migration of youth due to a huge difference between farm income and non-farm income, increased cost of cultivation, non-remunerative prices of farm produce, and increased crop losses due to climatic changes are the major issues in the agriculture sector, which suggests it is essential to transform our food system towards the adoption of agroecological concepts that provide sustainable solutions for people, the planet, and livelihood (Source).

Natural farming is also called as ecological farming. It is an approach that works with agroecology, focuses on natural biodiversity and maintaining the complexity of food systems by preserving natural flora and fauna. It includes the use of on-farm inputs, the use of local seeds, biological agents for seed and soil treatment, integration of mixed cropping and mixed farming and maintaining ecological balance. It excludes synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and any chemical-based products. 

Natural farming results in improved organic matter and improved physical condition and texture of the soil helps in more intake of nutrients from soil, and ensures the quality and diversity of food on our plate.

This article explores the concept and principles of natural farming, the benefits of natural farming over conventional farming, the difference between organic farming and natural farming, and the efforts by the Indian government to promote natural farming.

What is Natural Farming?

Natural farming is ‘Do Nothing Farming’. It is an ecological approach of farming given by Masanobu Fukuoka, a Japanese farmer. The major objectives of natural farming are efficient utilization of natural resources, preservation of natural flora and fauna to increase diversity, maintaining soil fertility, promotion of local breeds of livestock, use of local varieties of seed which reduce the cost of cultivation and improve the economy of the farmer. Natural Farming ensures live roots for maximum period and minimum soil disturbance. There are 4 principles of Natural Farming –

• No Cultivation – means no ploughing or turning the soil.

• No Synthetic Fertilizers – Using compost, crop residues, farm waste and growing leguminous crops contribute to a nutrient-rich environment.

• No Weeding – no disturbance to the soil by tillage and no chemical herbicides. Cover crops (Achhadana) are used to suppress weeds which also promotes biodiversity and provides a natural habitat for beneficial insects.
• No Chemicals – no use of pesticides. Bioagents and biopesticides are used to control insect pests.

Need for Natural Farming –

Today, most of the food we are eating is only fulfilling our calorie content but not the nutritional requirements of our body. The demand and awareness for organic, naturally grown, and chemical-free food are increasing nationwide, and central and state governments are intending towards natural farming. But, only 2% of farmed areas and 1.3% of farmers practice organic farming. It is the need of the hour that Natural Farming must become an essential part of mainstream agriculture.

What is the difference between Organic Farming and Natural Farming?

Generally organic farming and natural farming terms are used interchangeably. In natural farming, no external fertilizers, no tilling, no ploughing, weeding and no use of pesticides. Farm compost and other farm-produced inputs are used. It is not bound by guidelines and regulations. It is cheaper than organic farming.

On the other hand, organic farming off-farm inputs can also used. Focus is only given to chemical-free inputs and not their sources. So, tilling, ploughing, weeding and biopesticides are allowed. It follows the rules and regulations for certification purposes. It is more costly than natural farming.

Benefits of Natural Farming –

Production Benefits – Similar or higher yield as compared to conventional farming is observed. No reliance on external inputs results in reduced cost of cultivation and leads to sustainable and economically viable farming practices.

Environmental Benefits – It helps to maintain soil biology, safeguards biodiversity, reduces water consumption, pesticide residues, and carbon footprints in the environment. It maintains a balanced and resilient ecosystem. 

Nutritional Benefits – provide higher vitamins and antioxidants (improves immunity), higher flavonoids and sugars (improves taste), higher fibre content, higher mineral content, reduced level of toxic metals, and looks better in texture. It provides a lower protein level but a large number of amino acids (high-quality protein) compared with conventional farming (Source).

Sociological – Reduced hunger, malnutrition, poverty, inequality

How to adopt Natural Farming –

• Get training and knowledge about natural farming
• Start with a small area
• Increase the area as per your wish
• Arrange livestock on the farm
• Maintain biodiversity on the farm
• Crop rotation
• Preparing various solutions
• Moisture conservation
• Post-harvest management
• Record keeping and documentation 

Status of Natural Farming in India –

Organic Farming Policy, 2005 was launched by the Ministry of Agriculture to spread awareness about organic farming but was not successful. National Mission on Agriculture (NMSA), PKVY (Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojna), PGS-India (Participatory Guarantee System of Certification of India), Mission Organic Value Chain Development in North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER), National Project on Organic Farming (NPOF), National Centre for Organic Farming (NCOF), and Food Safety and Standards (Organic Food) Regulations, 2017 are various key policies and programs launched by Indian government. States can also utilize budgets from RKVY and MIDH for the promotion of organic farming (Source). 

However, there are various gaps in implementing these programs, including a lack of expertise, less attention given by implementing officers, and insufficient knowledge of farmers. Proper market linkages and bulky documentation processes for certification are also major challenges in the implementation. Agriculture is a state subject in India, so there is variability in the implementation of programs (Source).

Conclusion –

Natural farming challenges the conventional wisdom of modern agriculture. Practising agriculture in harmony with nature provides a sustainable alternative that is beneficial in terms of our health and saves the planet and biodiversity for future generations. Indian farmers have immense knowledge of growing crop plants with agroecological and biological methods. Well-coordinated and well-funded efforts should be taken at the central and state levels on a larger scale. Research and extension of the knowledge of natural farming are essential to make the farmers and consumers aware. 

To see the huge potential in India and to save the environment, the Indian government has launched several programs promoting organic and natural farming. Improved organic certification system and ensuring adequate production of organic/naturally grown inputs, timely availability and promotion of bio fertilisers among farmers is essential.