NITI Aayog Push for Natural Farming in India

NITI Aayog Report on Natural Farming

NITI Aayog Push for Natural Farming in India: NITI Aayog recently released a report titled “Empowering Farmers Natural Farming Training Toolkit and Best Practices Guide.” The report aims to provide structured training material and best practice models for farmers transitioning toward natural farming systems.

The document highlights how chemical-free agricultural practices can improve farm profitability, soil health, and environmental sustainability. It also offers field-tested case studies and technical guidelines to help farmers adopt agroecological farming methods effectively.

Concept of Natural Farming

Natural farming is a chemical-free farming system based on ecological principles. It integrates crops, livestock, and trees within the same farming ecosystem to enhance biodiversity and natural nutrient cycles.

The approach depends on biological processes occurring within the farm ecosystem, such as microbial activity, organic decomposition, and natural pest control. As a result, farmers avoid the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides.

Natural farming is different from organic farming. Organic farming allows the use of externally sourced organic fertilizers and bio-pesticides, while natural farming relies entirely on on-farm inputs such as cow dung, cow urine, and plant-based formulations.

Static GK fact: The concept of natural farming in India gained prominence through Subhash Palekar Natural Farming (SPNF), widely promoted in several Indian states.

Economic Advantages for Farmers

Natural farming significantly reduces the paid-out cost of cultivation. Studies show that farmers adopting this method can reduce costs by 5–10 percent for major crops, and in some cases even 20–55 percent.

Diversified farms that combine crops, livestock, and trees can generate 20–40 percent higher net incomes compared to conventional monocropping systems. The reduction in chemical inputs and the use of locally available resources improve farm profitability.

These benefits make natural farming particularly useful for small and marginal farmers, who constitute more than 85 percent of India’s farming population.

Environmental and Soil Health Benefits

Natural farming provides significant environmental advantages. It reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 55–85 percent, contributing to climate-friendly agriculture.

It also improves soil organic carbon levels by up to 45 percent, which enhances soil fertility and microbial diversity. Healthy soil promotes stronger root systems and improves crop resilience against climate stress.

Natural farming systems also conserve resources. Research indicates 50–60 percent savings in water and electricity, as natural soils retain moisture better and require fewer irrigation cycles.

Static GK Tip: Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) is an important indicator of soil fertility and carbon sequestration capacity.

Role of Livestock in Natural Farming

Livestock plays a crucial role in natural farming systems. Cow dung and cow urine are used to prepare natural bio-inputs such as microbial solutions and plant growth stimulants.

By integrating animals with crop production, farmers create a closed nutrient cycle, reducing dependence on external agricultural inputs. This integration also makes livestock farming economically viable.

Government Initiatives Supporting Natural Farming

The Government of India has introduced several programmes to promote natural farming.

The Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati (BPKP) operates as a sub-scheme under Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY). It supports cluster-based natural farming practices across different states.

Another major initiative is the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF), with an allocation of ₹2,481 crore. The mission aims to bring one crore farmers under natural farming and establish 10,000 Bio-Input Resource Centres (BRCs) across the country.

Other complementary schemes include PM PRANAM, SATAT, and GOBARDHAN, which promote sustainable agricultural inputs and bio-resource utilization.

Static GK fact: NITI Aayog was established in 2015, replacing the Planning Commission, and functions as India’s premier policy think tank.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

NITI Aayog Push for Natural Farming in India: