NATURAL FARMING IN INDIA (Syllabus GS Paper 3 – Agriculture)

Context: In Budget proposals for 2024-25, Union Finance Minister of India announced that in the next two years, one crore farmers across the country will be initiated into natural farming supported by certification and branding.

Natural Farming In India

• About: It is a chemical-free, traditional farming method. It is viewed as an agroecology-based diversified farming system that integrates crops, trees, and livestock, promoting functional biodiversity.
• First popularised by: The Japanese scientist and philosopher Masanobu Fukuoka. 
• In India: Agriculturalist Subhash Palekar has helped popularised the practice across the country.
• First practice: Karnataka
• Focus: Restoring soil health, maintaining biodiversity, ensuring animal welfare, efficiently using natural and local resources, and promoting ecological fairness
• Four Pillars of Natural Farming: Jivamrita/jeevamrutha, Bijamrita/beejamrutha. Acchadana/mulching and Whapasa/moisture.
• Major States: Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are among the leading states.
• Area in India is under Natural Farming: 6.5 lakh ha. Area.
• National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF): The government aims to encourage farmers to transition to chemical-free farming methods.
• initiative seeks to attract farmers to natural farming practices by highlighting their benefits.
• Objective: To instill a shift in farmers' mindset from relying on chemical-based inputs to using cow-based, locally-produced inputs.