Why in News?
ICAR has urged all State and Central agricultural universities to launch UG and PG programmes in Natural Farming, marking the first nationwide institutional push to formalise education and research in this area.
Description:
- Natural Farming (NF): A chemical-free, ecological farming system relying on on-farm biomass, soil biota, mulching, cow-based inputs, and minimum tillage.
- ICAR: India’s premier agricultural research body under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.
- Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF): A popular model of natural farming emphasising low external inputs.
- Agro-ecology: Farming practice integrating ecological principles with agriculture.
Natural Farming Vs Organic Farming:
| Feature | Natural Farming | Organic Farming |
| Input Source | On-farm, locally prepared bio-inputs (fermented solutions, mulching, cow-based inputs) | External inputs allowed if certified organic (vermicompost, organic fertilisers, biopesticides) |
| Chemical Use | Zero chemicals | Zero chemicals |
| Certification | Not mandatory | Mandatory (NPOP, PGS-India) |
| Cost of Cultivation | Very low | Moderate (due to certified inputs) |
| Tillage & Mulching | Minimum tillage, heavy mulching | Normal tillage with organic soil amendments |
NOTE:
- NPOP – National Programme for Organic Production
- PGS-India – Participatory Guarantee System–India
Key Features of Natural Farming:
- Chemical-free cultivation – No synthetic fertilisers/pesticides.
- Soil biology-centric – Enhances microbial population through jeevamrit-like formulations (varies by model).
- Low-input farming system – Reduces cost of cultivation.
- Emphasis on biodiversity – Multi-story cropping, mixed cropping, intercropping.
- Moisture conservation – Mulching, reduced tillage.
- Climate-resilient agriculture – Reduces emissions and improves soil carbon.
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