Natural Farming is contemplated by its protagonist as one of the most potential crop cultivation methods to drastically cut down production costs by reducing dependence on market for purchase of critical inputs. Being considered as an agro ecologically diverse farming practice, it brings hosts of ecological and social benefits. Natural Farming is a chemical-free alias traditional farming method. It is considered as agro ecology based diversified farming system which integrates crops, trees and livestock with functional biodiversity. Natural farming is related to fertility farming, organic farming, sustainable agriculture, agro ecology, agro forestry, eco agriculture and permaculture, but should be distinguished from biodynamic agriculture. In India, Natural farming is promoted as Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati Program (BPKP) under centrally sponsored scheme-Paramparagat KrishiVikasYojana(PKVY).BPKP is aimed at promoting traditional indigenous practices which reduces externally purchased inputs. It is largely based on farm biomass recycling with major stress on biomass mulching, use of onfarm cow dung-urine formulations; periodic oil aeration and exclusion of all synthetic chemical inputs. According to HLPE Report, natural farming will reduce dependency on purchased inputs and will help to ease small holder farmers from credits burden. The BPKP program has been adopted in State of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Kerala. Several studies have reported the effectiveness of natural farming-BPKP in terms of increase in production, sustainability, saving of water use, improvement in soil health and farmland ecosystem. It is considered as a cost-effective farming practice with scope for raising employment and rural development. NITI Aayog along with Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers welfare had convened several high level discussions with global experts on Natural farming practices. It is roughly estimated that around 2.5million farmers in India are already practicing regenerative agriculture. In the next 5years, it is expected to reach 20 lakh hectares in any form of organic farming, including natural farming, of which 12 lakh hectares are under BPKP.
Natural farming, or the cultivation of crops or livestock using organic farming methods (but not necessarily with organic certification), is gaining a lot of attention due to its many benefits for humans and the environment. These include an eco-friendly cultivation process and chemical-free harvests, reasons enough for many farmers to exert extra timeand effort in growing naturally farmed goods. Here are other reasons many farmers are trying out natural farming: Here are some benefits of natural farming. Reduce nutritious crops. Soil is responsible for providing nutrients to the crops planted in it. Natural farming provides food of good quality due to proper soil management. The use of animal manure to improve the health of the soil supplies the crops with necessary nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Prevent soil erosion. The use of green manure (plants grown specifically to be returned to the soil as fertilizer) is also utilized to bring back nutrients in the soil after the primary crop is harvested. It is also a great way to reestablish the health of the soil which makes it more resilient to soil erosion. Preserve biodiversity. Biodiversity can also be developed and nurtured through natural farming. The place where natural farming operates is an ideal habitat for various species because it allows them to breathe clean air that makes them naturally healthy and resistant to illness. Natural farming is found to be wide spread in Andhra Pradesh with majority joining the bandwagon during the last 5years, where as in Karnataka, adoption of NF though started more than15years back,is very much sporadic. Though there are certain practices prescribed in natural farming,the most adopted practice is the use of Jeevamritho, Beejamritha and other plant protection materials. Mulching and different irrigation techniques (Wapasa) are not popular practices. There is always scope for tweaking and innovation in these practices like Ghanajeev amritha and use of Azolla in thep addyfield in A.P. It was also evident that there is significant reduction in the cost of cultivation of all the crops, although crop yield may/may not are higher as compared to conventional farming. We also observed better soil health of light texture, presence of earthworms, moisture retention, etc. in the natural farming. Natural farming fights against climate change. Admittedly, the use of synthetically made fertilizers and pesticides to cultivate crops and livestock contributes a huge amount of greenhouse gases such as nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide, and methane. However, the soil of naturally cultivated farms can store carbon, keeping it from contributing to the worsening problem of global warming. Protect water quality. Reducing the impact of climate change; natural farming can also improve the composition of water by decreasing the amount of preserver.
( The author is pursuing masters degree at S K University of Agriculture Sciences & Technology- SKUAST Kashmir . Views are her own)
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