Natural Farming Certification and Branding: A Transformative Step for Indian Agriculture
In the Union Budget 2024-25, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a major initiative to support natural farming across India. Over the next two years, one crore farmers will be engaged in natural farming practices, supported by certification and branding efforts. This initiative is set to be implemented through scientific institutions and willing Gram Panchayats, aiming to establish 10,000 bio-fertilizer resource centers as needed.
Traditionally, the focus was on covering a larger area under natural farming. However, this new approach shifts the emphasis to the number of farmers involved, addressing a critical issue where approximately 30-40% of farmers reverted to chemical farming even after receiving full financial incentives under the Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati (BPKP).
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| Natural farming certification and branding for farmers in India. |
What is Natural Farming?
Natural farming involves the cultivation of crops without the use of any chemical fertilizers or pesticides. It promotes traditional indigenous methods that rely heavily on the recycling of organic materials within the farm. This includes the use of farm-prepared compost, cow dung-urine solutions, pest control through mixed cropping, farm-made plant protection preparations, and the complete avoidance of any chemical inputs. The primary goal of natural farming is to enhance the natural nutrient cycles in the soil and boost the biological activity within it.
Natural farming integrates a diverse farming system based on the agro-ecosystem, combining crops, trees, and animals. Proponents believe that this approach not only increases farmers' income but also improves soil fertility, environmental health, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
What is Organic Farming?
Organic farming is a system of traditional crop cultivation and livestock rearing that avoids the use of synthetic chemicals. It includes the use of organic fertilizers, pest management techniques, and avoiding genetically modified organisms, antibiotics, and growth hormones.
Differences Between Natural Farming and Organic Farming
Natural farming emphasizes minimal human intervention and mimicking natural ecosystems, while organic farming focuses on using organic fertilizers and adhering to specific standards. Natural farming prohibits any external fertilizers or soil conditioners, while organic farming allows the use of compost, mineral rocks, and fertilizers derived from plant or animal sources.
Natural farming promotes biodiversity, maintains soil health, supports plant and animal health, and enhances crop yields through ecological principles. In contrast, organic farming optimizes productivity and ecological viability of agricultural ecosystems using organic materials and techniques.
Natural farming discourages the use of any chemicals, whereas organic farming has an approved list of chemicals considered safe for humans and the environment. The philosophy of natural farming is based on nature's wisdom, while organic farming is a carefully designed and regulated holistic agricultural system.
Principles of Natural Farming
Healthy soil microbe balance is crucial for the health of soil, plants, animals, and humans. Crops should cover the soil for as much time as possible throughout the year. At least 8 different crops should be grown annually on a farm or large area. Minimal soil disturbance is necessary, so no-till or shallow tillage is recommended. Incorporate livestock into farming practices. Promote integrated farming systems to support natural farming. Maintain and enhance organic matter in the soil. Biostimulants are essential to speed up these processes, often made from cow dung, urine, and clean soil. Increase the quantity and variety of organic residues returned to the soil. Pest management should follow best agricultural practices and use botanical pesticides only when necessary. Synthetic fertilizers and other biocides are prohibited.
Biostimulants in Natural Farming
Biostimulants are substances or microorganisms used to improve plant growth, yield, and overall health. They help plants in several ways:
Increasing nutrient absorption from the soil. Boosting plant immunity against various stresses such as drought, cold, and diseases. Encouraging root growth for better nutrient and water uptake. Enhancing overall plant growth and productivity. Biostimulants can be prepared from natural sources like seaweed, humic acid, fulvic acid, and other organic components. They are used in agriculture to improve plant productivity and quality.
Fermentation in Agriculture
Fermentation is a biological process where microorganisms like bacteria, yeast, and fungi convert carbohydrates (such as glucose) into energy, alcohol, and other by-products. This process is used in the production of various food and beverages.
In agriculture, fermentation is utilized in several ways to improve crop growth, soil quality, and agricultural productivity. Key uses include:
Production of biofertilizers through the fermentation of organic materials such as vermicompost and plant extracts. Silage production, where fermentation helps preserve animal feed. Soil improvement by adding fermented materials like molasses and plant residues to enhance soil structure and nutrient content. Pest control using fermented products like bioformulations and organic pesticides. Production of organic inputs to boost plant growth and disease resistance. The use of fermentation in agriculture not only enhances crop quality and yield but also promotes sustainable farming practices and reduces environmental impact.
Scope of Natural Farming
Globally, there are several successful models of natural farming, with India's Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) being one of the most popular. Natural farming improves soil fertility, environmental health, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and promises increased farmer income. Broadly, natural farming can be seen as a key strategy for saving the Earth for future generations.
Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF)
ZBNF is a type of farming where no chemicals are used, and there are no expenses involved in growing and harvesting crops. In this method, farmers cover their costs through inter-cropping. ZBNF gained attention when Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman mentioned it as a way to double farmers' incomes in her 2019 budget speech.
Subhash Palekar: The Pioneer of Zero Budget Natural Farming in India
Subhash Palekar, a farmer from Belora village in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra's Amravati district, developed the "Zero Budget Natural Farming" model. In the mid-1990s, Palekar presented this method as an alternative to the Green Revolution, which relied on chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and intensive irrigation.
Four Pillars of Zero Budget Natural Farming
Jeevamrut: A natural fertilizer made from desi jaggery, water, pulse flour, soil, cow dung, and urine. Beejamrut: A natural pesticide made from a mixture of tobacco, green chili, and neem leaves, used for seed treatment. Mulching: A process of covering the soil to retain moisture and prevent soil erosion. Vafsa: A method to maintain the balance of moisture and air in the soil, reducing the need for irrigation.
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| Natural farming certification and branding for farmers in India. |
Benefits of Zero Budget Natural Farming
Reduced cost for farmers. Increased farmer income. Improved soil health. Environmental protection. Savings in water and electricity. Improved crop quality. Enhanced disease resistance. Challenges of Zero Budget Natural Farming
Initial yield reduction. Lack of awareness and training. Market and certification challenges. Pest and disease management. Government Efforts to Promote Zero Budget Natural Farming
Encouraging farmers to adopt natural farming. Ensuring the availability and affordability of organic inputs. Conducting training and awareness programs for natural farming. Developing markets for natural products and certifying them. Government Initiatives to Promote Natural Farming in India
Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY): Launched in 2015 under the National Mission of Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) to promote commercial organic production through certified organic farming.
Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati (BPKP): Introduced by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in the fiscal year 2019-20 and 2024-25, with a total outlay of ₹4,645 crores over six years.
National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF): The central agricultural ministry is preparing to launch this mission to inspire farmers to adopt chemical-free farming practices.
Benefits of Natural Farming
Benefits to the Environment:
Healthy Soil: Natural farming methods like composting and mulching promote beneficial microbes and organic matter in the soil, improving its fertility. Water Saving: Techniques like mulching and drip irrigation help retain soil moisture, reducing the need for excessive water use. Reduction in Pollution: Replacing chemical fertilizers and pesticides with natural alternatives significantly reduces soil, water, and air pollution. Climate Change Mitigation: Natural farming methods generally have a lower carbon footprint and healthy soils act as carbon sinks, capturing greenhouse gases. Benefits to Farmers:
Lower Costs: Natural farming relies on locally available resources and farm-prepared materials, reducing dependency on expensive external inputs. Improved Agricultural Resilience: Natural farming methods enhance soil health and biodiversity, making farms more resilient to extreme weather events. Improved Farmer Health: Eliminating exposure to harmful chemicals protects farmers' health and well-being. Benefits to Consumers:
Safe Food: Natural farming produces food free from harmful chemical residues, ensuring safer and healthier consumption. Better Food Quality: Studies suggest that naturally grown food may have higher levels of antioxidants and other beneficial nutrients. Support for Sustainable Agriculture: Consumers who choose natural food products indirectly support a more sustainable and ethical agricultural system. Challenges Associated with Natural Farming
Limited Market: Farmers adopting natural farming often struggle to get fair prices for their products due to underdeveloped markets, standards, and regulations for natural products. Decrease in Initial Yield: Building a healthy soil ecosystem takes time, leading to lower yields in the initial years compared to conventional methods. Lack of Awareness and Training: Many farmers lack knowledge and practical skills in natural farming techniques, hindering its adoption. Availability and Affordability of Organic Inputs: High costs of organic inputs like cotton seeds deter farmers from adopting natural farming. Pest and Disease Management: Natural farming relies on ecological methods for pest control, which may be less effective in the short term compared to chemical pesticides. Lessons from Sri Lanka
A few years ago, neighboring Sri Lanka faced economic and political turmoil after completely adopting organic farming and banning chemical fertilizer imports. The abrupt policy change led to difficulties in obtaining natural fertilizers, reduced yields of major crops like rice, and threatened the country's food security. The situation resulted in rapid price increases, widespread protests, and unrest.
Measures to Promote Natural Farming
Development of Alternative and Niche Markets: To transition towards natural farming, the government should explore alternative markets. Here are some ideas for expanding markets for natural farming:
Public Distribution System (PDS): Including natural farming products in PDS can provide farmers with a stable market and ensure the availability of healthy and chemical-free food to a wider population. Use of Existing Systems: The existing network of primary agricultural cooperative societies and marketing federations can be utilized. Collaboration with Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs): Collaborating with FPOs can enhance the efficiency of production, procurement, and distribution. Mid-Day Meal Program: The mid-day meal program can create a new market by using locally produced crops through decentralized systems, involving FPOs in local production, procurement, storage, and distribution. Dedicated Markets: In Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu, there are around 43,000 village markets (haats). Some of these can be dedicated to certified natural farming products. Establishment of Consumer Cooperative Societies: Consumer cooperative societies can be established in major cities' urban/peri-urban areas, where agricultural land is within a 100 km radius. Conclusion
Focusing on natural farming can bring environmental, health, and economic benefits to India. However, successful implementation requires addressing challenges through adequate policy support, market development, and farmer education. By promoting a more sustainable agricultural model, India can enhance food security, boost rural development, and contribute to global efforts against climate change.
FAQs
What is the main focus of the Union Budget 2024-25 regarding natural farming? The main focus is to engage one crore farmers in natural farming supported by certification and branding over the next two years.
How does natural farming differ from organic farming? Natural farming emphasizes minimal human intervention and mimicking natural ecosystems, while organic farming focuses on using organic fertilizers and adhering to specific standards.
What are the benefits of natural farming to the environment? Natural farming promotes healthy soil, conserves water, reduces pollution, and mitigates climate change.
What are the challenges faced by farmers adopting natural farming? Challenges include limited markets, decrease in initial yield, lack of awareness and training, availability and affordability of organic inputs, and pest and disease management.
How can the government promote natural farming? The government can promote natural farming by developing alternative and niche markets, ensuring the availability of organic inputs, conducting training programs, and collaborating with FPOs.
What lessons can be learned from Sri Lanka's experience with organic farming? Sri Lanka's abrupt shift to organic farming led to reduced yields, food security threats, and economic turmoil. Gradual transition and adequate support are essential for successful implementation.
Suggestions for Inbound and Outbound Links
Inbound Links:
Natural farming practices Union Budget 2024-25 announcements Benefits of organic farming Outbound Links:
Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati (BPKP) National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)
