NITI Aayog’s Report on Natural Farming

Context

The NITI Aayog released a report titled “Empowering Farmers: Natural Farming Training Toolkit & Best Practices Guide.” The report aims to promote Natural Farming practices in India, provide training tools for farmers and document best practices for scaling sustainable agriculture.

Q1. What is Natural Farming?

1. Natural Farming is a chemical-free agricultural system based on ecological principles. Instead of relying on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, the system depends on biological processes within the farm ecosystem.
2. Key features
   1. Use of on-farm inputs such as cow dung and cow urine
   2. Integration of crops, livestock, and trees
   3. Enhancement of biodiversity and soil microorganisms
   4. Minimal dependence on external agricultural inputs
3. The aim is to create a self-sustaining and environmentally balanced farming system.

Q2. How is Natural Farming different from Organic Farming?

Thus, Natural Farming emphasizes complete farm self-reliance.

Q3. What are the 5 key components of Natural Farming?

Natural Farming uses biological inputs & ecological practices to improve soil fertility & crop productivity.

1. Beejamrit: A seed treatment solution made using cow dung, cow urine, and lime. Protects seeds from soil-borne diseases.
2. Jeevamrit: A microbial culture prepared from cow dung, jaggery, pulse flour, and water. Improves soil microbial activity and fertility.
3. Mulching: Covering soil with crop residue or biomass. Helps retain moisture, regulate temperature, and improve soil structure.
4. Whapasa: Refers to maintaining the right balance of air and water vapour in soil. Improves water efficiency and root growth.
5. Biological Plant Protection: Use of natural pest management techniques instead of chemical pesticides.

Q4. What are the 5 key benefits of Natural Farming?

1. Economic Benefits: Reduces cost of cultivation by 5–10%, and sometimes 20–55%. Diversified natural farms may generate 20–40% higher net income compared to monocrop farming.
2. Environmental Benefits: Reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 55–85%. Saves 50–60% water and electricity through efficient resource use.
3. Soil Health Improvement: Increases Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) levels. Enhances beneficial soil microorganisms and root development.
4. Health and Food Safety: Produces chemical-free food. Reduces health risks associated with synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.
5. Livestock Integration: Uses cow dung and cow urine as farm inputs. Makes livestock an integral part of agricultural systems.

Q5. What initiatives promote Natural Farming in India?

1. Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati (BPKP): A component of Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana. Promotes chemical-free farming through cluster-based implementation.
2. National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF): Government initiative with an outlay of ₹2,481 crore. Targets 1 crore farmers adopting natural farming. Plans establishment of 10,000 Bio-Input Resource Centres (BRCs).
3. Other Supporting Initiatives:
   1. PM PRANAM – encourages reduction of chemical fertilizer use.
   2. SATAT (Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation) – promotes bio-energy from organic waste.
   3. GOBARDHAN – converts organic waste into bio-resources.

FAQs

Q1. What is Natural Farming? 

A chemical‑free farming system based on ecological principles, using on‑farm inputs like cow dung and urine, integrating crops, livestock, and trees to create a self‑sustaining ecosystem.

Q2. How is Natural Farming different from Organic Farming? 

Natural Farming relies only on farm‑generated inputs and emphasizes self‑reliance, while Organic Farming allows externally certified organic inputs like bio‑fertilizers and bio‑pesticides.

Q3. What are the key components of Natural Farming?

1. Beejamrit (seed treatment)
2. Jeevamrit (microbial culture)
3. Mulching (soil cover)
4. Whapasa (air‑water balance in soil)
5. Biological plant protection (natural pest control)

Q4. What are the main benefits of Natural Farming in India? 

It reduces cultivation costs, improves soil health, saves water and energy, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, produces chemical‑free food, and integrates livestock into farming systems.