Context
- The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, during a visit to Bara Bhangal in Kangra district, urged farmers to adopt natural farming. The region is known for its Rajma (Kidney Bean) cultivation. The government also announced a monthly pension of ₹1,500 for all eligible women in the area.
What is Natural Farming?
- Natural Farming is a chemical-free and livestock-based farming system that relies on locally available natural inputs instead of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. It aims to restore soil fertility, reduce cultivation costs, and promote sustainable agriculture.
- Key Features
- No use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides.
- Use of cow dung, cow urine, biomass, and crop residues.
- Encourages soil microorganisms and earthworms.
- Promotes mixed cropping and crop diversity.
- Conserves soil moisture and improves water-use efficiency.
Natural Farming Vs Organic Farming
| Feature | Organic Farming | Natural Farming |
| Definition | A structured, managed system focused on replacing chemical inputs (synthetic fertilizers, pesticides) with organic alternatives (compost, bio-fertilizers, organic manures). | Natural Farming was pioneered by Masanobu Fukuoka (“Do-Nothing Farming”) and popularized in India by Subhash Palekar as Subhash Palekar Natural Farming (SPNF), formerly Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF). It follows a biomimicry approach, working with nature while avoiding deep plowing, tillage, and external organic inputs. |
| Input Origin | Often relies on external/purchased organic inputs (vermicompost, neem cake, bio-fertilizers). | Uses only local, on-farm indigenous inputs (cow dung, cow urine, local flora).Ex- Jeevamrutha (microbial culture) and Bijamrutha (seed treatment), Acchadana (Mulching). |
| Soil Treatment | Plowing, tilling, and mixing organic manures into the soil are standard practices. | No tilling, no deep plowing. The soil structure is left undisturbed to preserve native ecosystems. |
| Cost to Farmer | Medium to High due to the cost of buying bulk organic inputs, composts, and certification. | Near-Zero (“Zero Budget”) because all formulations are prepared on-site using a single indigenous cow. |
| Certification | Highly regulated, requiring strict third-party certification to sell as “Organic.” | Focuses on self-sustenance and localized participatory guarantee systems rather than commercial certification. |
About National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)
- Launched: 2023-24 (independent Centrally Sponsored Scheme).
- Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
- Evolved from the Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati (BPKP) component under the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY).
- Objectives
- Promote sustainable agriculture.
- Reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers.
- Improve soil health.
- Increase farmers’ income through lower input costs.
- Mitigate climate change by reducing emissions from agriculture.
About Bara Bhangal
- Located in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh.
- One of the most remote and isolated villages in the Dhauladhar mountain range.
- Accessible mainly by trekking during much of the year.
- Inhabited primarily by the Gaddi pastoral community.
- Economy is based on livestock rearing and cultivation of traditional crops, especially Rajma (Kidney Bean).
Q. With reference to Natural Farming in India, consider the following statements:
1. Natural farming discourages the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
2. The National Mission on Natural Farming is implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
3. Natural farming depends heavily on purchased organic fertilizers from external sources.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
• Statement 1 is correct: The absolute core principle of Natural Farming is to eliminate all chemical or synthetic inputs. It completely discourages the use of synthetic fertilizers, chemical pesticides, and weedicides, relying instead on natural, biological processes.
• Statement 2 is correct: The National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)—which was launched as a separate component by scaling up the Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati (BPKP)—is implemented as a sub-scheme under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: Natural farming actively rejects purchased external inputs. Depending heavily on purchased organic fertilizers (like commercial vermicompost, bio-fertilizers, or neem cake) is a characteristic of Organic Farming. Natural farming relies strictly on on-farm, locally prepared formulations (such as Jeevamrutha and Bijamrutha) made using indigenous cow dung and urine, making it a "zero-budget" or low-cost model.