Why in the news?

  • The Prime Minister of India said that natural farming is the need of the 21st century at the inaugural session of the South India Natural Farming Summit 2025.

Natural Farming

  • What is it?: 
    • Natural Farming is a chemical-free, low-cost, agroecology-based farming practice that relies on natural processes, local resources, and minimal external inputs to cultivate crops.
    • It rejects synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and intensive tilling, focusing on soil biology, biodiversity, and regenerative practices.
  • Core Principles:
    • No Chemical Inputs: No synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides or GM seeds.
    • Soil Regeneration: Enhanced soil microbiology through cow dung, cow urine, and bio-cultures.
    • On-farm Inputs Only: Encourages use of farm-made solutions like-
      • Beejamrit: Seed treatment
      • Jeevamrit: Microbial culture/enzyme
      • Mulching: Soil cover using crop residues
      • Waaphasa: Soil aeration and moisture balance
    • Biodiversity & Crop Diversity: Multilayer cropping, intercropping, agroforestry, companion crops.
    • Minimising External Costs: Reduces cost of cultivation drastically (hence “zero budget”)
  • Key Features:
    • Low-input and low-risk agriculture.
    • Climate-resilient: higher tolerance to droughts, floods, heat.
    • Improves soil health and increases earthworm population.
    • Restores natural ecosystem functions.
    • Reduces dependency on credit by eliminating expensive inputs.
  • Government Initiatives:
    • Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati (BPKP): Sub-scheme of Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) that promotes ZBNF practices with financial support to farmers.
    • National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): Supports natural farming through climate-resilient practices.
    • PM-KSY Watershed & Soil Health Management: Supports natural farming’s soil and water conservation needs.
    • Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment): Encourages natural/organic farming as sustainable lifestyle practice.
    • Andhra Pradesh Community Natural Farming (APCNF): One of the world’s largest natural farming programmes.

Source: The Hindu