A chemical-free farming method with roots in Indian customs, natural farming incorporates contemporary ecological knowledge, resource recycling, and on-farm resource optimisation. It is regarded as a diversified farming system built on agroecology that incorporates livestock, trees, and crops with useful biodiversity. Its primary foundation is the recycling of biomass on farms, with a focus on biomass mulching, using cow dung and urine formulations on-site, preserving soil aeration, and avoiding the use of any synthetic chemical inputs. It is anticipated that natural farming will lessen reliance on input purchases. It is regarded as an economical farming method with the potential to boost rural development and employment.
Numerous states have created effective models for natural farming and are currently allowing it. Among the top states are Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. In the farming community, natural farming systems are still in their infancy and are only now beginning to be accepted.
Natural Farming: What is it?
“Livestock-based and chemical-free farming” is one definition of natural farming. It is a varied farming system that integrates crops, trees, and livestock and is firmly based in agro-ecology. This allows for the best possible utilisation of functional biodiversity. For natural farming, if required, you can consider Mahindra Tractor for better results.
Features of natural farming on a zero budget (ZBNF):
- The only way to operate commercial-level farming on a nearly zero budget is to use farm-based and locally accessible resources.
- Plants obtain 98% of their nutrient needs from the air, water, and sunshine, according to ZBNF principles. An abundance of beneficial microorganisms in high-quality soil can satisfy the remaining 2% of the requirements. (As in natural systems and forests)
- Microclimate of the soil: An organic mulch should always be applied to the soil, as this produces humus and promotes the growth of beneficial microorganisms.
- Desi cow: Only Indian-breed cows are used to supply the system with cow dung and urine (Gomutra). In terms of the microbiological content of cow dung and urine, Desi cows are said to be the purest.
- Natural farming places a strong emphasis on a comprehensive strategy that takes into account farming’s socioeconomic and ecological aspects. These are its main characteristics:
- Minimal Human Intervention: The ecosystem’s natural processes are trusted and permitted to occur with little to no human intervention.
- Minimal Machinery: Natural farming generally uses less heavy machinery and more manual labour in line with its low-intervention philosophy, which lowers soil compaction and carbon footprint.
Natural Farming’s Scope
Ramesh Chand, a member of Niti Aayog, claims that India can increase the amount of land used for chemical-free farming to 30% by 2030 and double it to 15% immediately. He claimed that because the reduction in fertiliser subsidies would offset the resulting loss in output and exports, there would be no harm to the nation’s food security. He did, however, issue a warning against implementing natural farming without a long-term strategy. Rather, what’s needed is a long-term strategy that gradually phases out chemical pesticides and fertilisers.
Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, announced during the opening remarks of the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE) five-day Online Master Trainers Training Programme that 750 awareness programmes will teach 30,000 Gramme Pradhans about natural farming practices. Before August 15, 2022, all districts and states are intended to be covered by these programmes. He claimed that since India currently enjoys food security, it can concentrate on producing safe, high-quality, and sustainable agricultural products through organic and natural farming. Over time, this would improve soil health, save the farmer money on fertiliser, pesticides, and irrigation, and yield healthy returns.
The Fundamentals and Requirements of Modern Nature Farming
An ecological farming method founded on good agronomic practices is known as “nature farming.” It the most widely used certified organic farming technique in Japan and is becoming well-known globally for its focus on pest control, food quality, healthy soil, and other sustainable farming-related issues. Today’s nature farming has evolved in terms of principles, requirements, and technologies; it is no longer a throwback to its 1940s origins. For instance, in natural farming systems, applying animal dung is prohibited. However, in modern times, animal dung can used as organic fertiliser provided it is composted without the presence of contaminants.
- To improve human health, it must produce food of the highest calibre.
- It needs to benefit farmers and customers both monetarily and spiritually.
- This farming needs to be simple to use and sustainable.
- It needs to preserve the environment and be in line with nature.
- It needs to generate enough food to feed everyone on the planet.
Natural and Organic Farming have Certain Similarities
- Similarities between organic and natural farming include the absence of chemicals and a generally poison-free farming approach.
- Both approaches forbid farmers from employing chemical pesticides, fertilisers, or other agricultural practices on plants.
- Farmers are encouraged to use native varieties of vegetables, grains, pulses, and other crops, as well as local breeds of seeds.
- Natural and organic farming practices encourage the use of homemade and non-chemical pest control techniques.
These are all about Embracing the Essence of Natural Farming. Stay connected with us for more information about agriculture topics like this or about tractors like Sonalika Tractor.
