Natural Farming

Recently, the Prime Minister addressed a Natural Farming Conclave, organised in Surat, Gujarat.

About Natural Farming

It is a chemical-free alias traditional farming method.
It is considered as agroecology based diversified farming system which integrates crops, trees and livestock with functional biodiversity.
It is considered as a cost- effective farming practices with scope for raising employment and rural development.
It is known by various names like; Zero Budget Natural Farming, Prakrithik Krishi, Cow Based Natural Farming, Shashwat Kheti, Chemical Free Agriculture, etc.
Nature farming is derived from Mokichi Okada’s philosophy of abandoning the use of all chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
In India, Natural farming is promoted as Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati Programme (BPKP) under centrally sponsored scheme- Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY).

Benefits

Increase Yield

Natural Farming aims to increase yields by maximizing production factors like labour, soil, equipment and by avoiding the use of non-natural inputs like fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides.

Nutritious Crops

Natural farming provides food of good quality due to proper soil management.
The use of animal manure to improve the health of the soil supplies the crops with necessary nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

Boost to Farmers’ Income

It aims to make farming viable and aspirational by increasing net incomes of farmers on account of cost reduction, reduced risks, similar yields, incomes from intercropping, increasing crop intensity along with availing fair price of the crop grown.

Preserve Biodiversity

Biodiversity can also be developed and nurtured through natural farming.
The place where natural farming operates is an ideal habitat for various species because it allows them to breathe clean air that makes them naturally healthy and resistant to illness.

Mitigate Climate Change

Natural farming fights against climate change.
Admittedly, the use of synthetically made fertilizers and pesticides to cultivate crops and livestock contributes a huge amount of greenhouse gases such as nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide, and methane.

Protect Water Quality

Aside from reducing the impact of climate change, natural farming can also improve the composition of water by decreasing the amount of preservatives which usually contaminates the water.

Organic Farming

It is a production system which avoids or largely excludes the use of synthetically compounded fertilizers, pesticides, growth regulators, genetically modified organisms and livestock food additives.

Similarities between Natural Farming And Organic Farming

Natural and organic both are chemical free and more or less poison free farming methods.
Both systems discourage farmers from using any chemical fertilizers, pesticides on plants and in all agricultural practices.
Both farming methods encourage farmers to use local breeds of seeds, and native varieties of vegetables, grains, pulses and other crops.
Organic and natural farming methods promote nonchemical and homemade pest control methods.

Difference between Natural Farming & Organic Farming

Cost: Organic farming is more expensive than natural farming because it requires using large amounts of organic fertilizers and manure on the land bought from those who sell them.
Effort: Organic farming wants activities such as mixing of manures or compost, plowing, and tilting whereas there is no plowing or tilting or fertilizers in natural farming. “In natural farming, decomposition of organic matter by microbes and earthworms is encouraged right on the soil surface itself, which gradually releases nutrients into the soil”.
Environmental Impact: Organic farming has an effect on the surrounding environment while natural farming does not and it conforms to local biodiversity.