NEWS HIGHLIGHT
Theme : Agricultural Resources , Technology in Agriculture
Paper:GS-2 and GS-3
Natural farming is a method of agriculture that relies on natural processes rather than synthetic inputs. In India, it has gained popularity as a way to increase crop yields and reduce the environmental impact of agriculture.
TABLE OF CONTENT
- Context
- Natural Farming
- Significance of Natural Farming
- Issues Associated with Natural Farming
- Challenges in India
- Road Ahead
Context : Natural farming is a method of agriculture that relies on natural processes rather than synthetic inputs. In India, it has gained popularity as a way to increase crop yields and reduce the environmental impact of agriculture.
Natural Farming :
- Natural farming is a method of agriculture that seeks to create a balanced and self-sustaining ecosystem in which crops can grow without the use of synthetic chemicals or genetically modified organisms.Instead of relying on artificial inputs like synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, natural farmers rely on techniques like crop rotation, intercropping, and composting to enhance soil health and support crop growth.
- Natural farming methods are often based on traditional knowledge and practices and may be adapted to local conditions and resources.The goal of natural farming is to produce healthy, nutritious food in a way that is sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Significance of Natural Farming :
- Food and Nutrition Security: Natural farming can help to improve food security for communities in India, especially for small-scale farmers who may not have access to or be able to afford modern inputs.By relying on natural techniques, farmers can produce healthy, nutritious food without incurring high costs.
- Environmental Benefits: Natural farming can have a number of positive environmental impacts, such as reducing water pollution, soil erosion, and greenhouse gas emissions.It can also help to preserve biodiversity by supporting the growth of a variety of crops and other plants.
- Sustainable Agriculture: Natural farming is a sustainable approach to agriculture that seeks to preserve and enhance natural resources, rather than depleting them.This can be especially important in a country like India, where the population is expected to continue growing and there will be increasing pressure on natural resources.
- Economic Benefits: Natural Farming can make farming viable and aspirational by increasing net incomes of farmers on account of cost reduction, reduced risks, similar yields, incomes from intercropping.
Issues Associated with Natural Farming :
- Weather and Climate: Natural farming methods may be more vulnerable to weather and climate changes, as they do not rely on synthetic inputs to boost crop growth. This can be a challenge for farmers in India, where the climate can be unpredictable.
- Pest and Disease Threat: Natural farmers may have more difficulty controlling pests and diseases compared to conventional farmers, who can use synthetic chemicals to treat these problems.This can make natural farming more risky and challenging. For example, a natural farmer may struggle to control a pest infestation without the use of pesticides, which can lead to crop losses and financial hardship.
- Limited Resources and Time Constraint: Natural farming often requires more labor and other resources compared to conventional farming methods.For example, natural farmers may need to spend more time and effort on tasks like composting, crop rotation, and intercropping. This can be a challenge for farmers in India who are already stretched thin and may not have the time or manpower to devote to these tasks.
Challenges in India :
- Lack of Irrigation Facility: At the national level, only 52% of India's Gross Cropped Area (GCA) is irrigated. The monsoon continues to restrict crop planting even though India has made significant strides since independence.
- Lack of Agricultural Diversification: In spite of the rapid commercialization of agriculture in India, most farmers assume cereals will always be their main crop (due to skewed Minimum Support Prices in favor of cereals) and ignore crop diversification.
Road Ahead :
- Farmer Training Centres: One way to promote natural farming in India would be to provide education and training to farmers on natural farming techniques and the benefits of this approach.This could be done through extension programs and creating farmer training centers at local level.
- Incentivising Natural Farming: The government could play a role in promoting natural farming in India by providing financial incentives, such as grants or subsidies, to farmers who adopt natural methods.The government could also establish regulations or standards to encourage the use of natural farming techniques.
- Linking Natural Farming with CSR: The private sector could help to promote natural farming in India through initiatives such as corporate social responsibility programs, investment in natural farming projects, and partnerships with natural farming organizations.
- One District One Natural Product Mela: Encouraging the development of local and sustainable food systems, such as farmers' markets and community-supported agriculture programs, could help to promote natural farming in India by creating a demand for naturally grown products.
FAQs :
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What is Natural Farming?
ANS. Natural farming is a method of agriculture that seeks to create a balanced and self-sustaining ecosystem in which crops can grow without the use of synthetic chemicals or genetically modified organisms.Instead of relying on artificial inputs like synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, natural farmers rely on techniques like crop rotation, intercropping, and composting to enhance soil health and support crop growth.
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What are the Issues associated with Natural Farming?
ANS.
- Weather and Climate: Natural farming methods may be more vulnerable to weather and climate changes, as they do not rely on synthetic inputs to boost crop growth. This can be a challenge for farmers in India, where the climate can be unpredictable.
- Pest and Disease Threat: Natural farmers may have more difficulty controlling pests and diseases compared to conventional farmers, who can use synthetic chemicals to treat these problems.This can make natural farming more risky and challenging. For example, a natural farmer may struggle to control a pest infestation without the use of pesticides, which can lead to crop losses and financial hardship.
- Limited Resources and Time Constraint: Natural farming often requires more labor and other resources compared to conventional farming methods.For example, natural farmers may need to spend more time and effort on tasks like composting, crop rotation, and intercropping. This can be a challenge for farmers in India who are already stretched thin and may not have the time or manpower to devote to these tasks.