Syllabus: Major crops — cropping patterns in various parts of the country
Implementation Framework
- Implemented across 15,000 clusters in willing Gram Panchayats.
- Targets 1 crore farmers and 7.5 lakh hectares over two years.
- Bio-input Resource Centres (BRCs) established for easy supply of natural inputs.
- Model Demonstration Farms created to train farmers in field conditions.
- Krishi Sakhis involved in awareness generation, mobilisation and farmer handholding.
About Natural Farming
- A chemical-free, low-input, climate-resilient system depending on livestock and local resources.
- Practised in States such as Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh and Jharkhand.
Key Components of Natural Farming
- Beejamrit: Seed treatment using cow dung, urine and lime.
- Jivamrit: A bio-stimulant promoting soil microorganisms.
- Mulching: Covering soil with biomass to conserve moisture.
- Whapasa: Enhancing earthworm activity for soil aeration and water vapour balance.
- Plant Protection: Spraying biological concoctions for pest and disease control.
Significance
- Improves yields by maximising labour, soil health and natural inputs.
- Enhances farmer income by reducing dependence on fertilisers and agro-chemicals.
- Ensures better nutritional quality and lowers health risks.
- Generates local employment across the value chain.
- Conserves environment by improving soil biology, biodiversity and reducing carbon footprints.
- Revitalises soil through bio-inoculants and natural pesticides.
Supporting Initiatives
- MANAGE: Documents best practices and digitalises success stories.
- NCONF: Promotes chemical-free systems and develops certification systems.
- PK3 Yojana (Himachal Pradesh): Reduces cultivation costs and boosts income.
- Gujarat Atma Nirbhar Package: Provides financial support for NF adoption.
Issues
- Yield instability and higher initial investment risks.
- Inconsistent supply of cow dung and urine.
- Skill gaps due to limited extension services and labour-intensive practices.
- Weak market linkages and poor consumer awareness.
- Unclear policy standards and limited funding.
- Higher vulnerability to climate extremes and pest outbreaks.
Way Forward
- Promote FPOs for aggregation, branding and assurance of quality.
- Offer intensive farmer training on bio-inputs and NF practices.
- Strengthen marketing with dedicated outlets and simple certification.
- Adopt best models like APCNF, benefiting nearly 6 million farmers.
Organic vs Natural Farming
- Both avoid chemicals and rely on biomass recycling and crop rotation.
- Organic farming uses off-farm inputs and natural minerals; NF excludes external inputs.
- NF prohibits compost, vermicompost and mined minerals, relying on on-farm desi cow inputs.
- Natural farming is low-cost, while organic farming is relatively expensive.