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India as a Global Hub for Natural Farming: Key Highlights from the South India Natural Farming Summit
At the South India Natural Farming Summit held in Tamil Nadu, the Prime Minister of India announced that the country is ready to emerge as a global leader in natural farming. He emphasized that natural farming aligns India’s traditional agricultural wisdom with modern science, supporting long-term sustainability and climate resilience.
🌱 Highlights of the South India Natural Farming Summit
The Prime Minister described natural farming as India’s indigenous idea, deeply rooted in centuries-old traditions and adapted to local ecosystems.
He stressed the need to make natural farming a science-backed movement, blending traditional knowledge with modern agricultural research.
The summit promoted the ‘One Acre, One Season’ approach—encouraging farmers to practice natural farming on one acre for a single season to experience its economic and ecological benefits.
💰 Major Announcements at the Summit
Release of the 21st instalment of PM-KISAN, transferring ₹18,000 crore directly to 9 crore farmers across India.
Since the scheme began, more than ₹4 lakh crore has been transferred directly to small and marginal farmers, improving rural incomes, financial inclusion, and agricultural resilience.
🌾 What is Natural Farming?
Natural farming is a chemical-free, low-cost agricultural method that uses locally available resources, including:
Cow dung and cow urine
Biomass mulch
Indigenous seeds
Botanical extracts
It eliminates synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, focusing instead on:
Soil regeneration
Microbial activity
Biodiversity
Ecological balance
According to NITI Aayog, natural farming is an agroecology-based diversified farming system that integrates crops, livestock, trees, and functional biodiversity.
The National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) further highlights its holistic approach, combining livestock, crop diversity, and traditional knowledge to restore soil health and reduce input costs.
🧱 Pillars of Natural Farming
Jivamrita & Ghanjivamrita: Fermented microbial solutions that enhance soil fertility
Bijamrita: Natural seed treatment
Mulching & Botanical Sprays: Reduce weeds and protect plants
Wahpsa: Maintaining adequate soil moisture and aeration
🌿 Natural Farming vs. Organic Farming
| Feature | Natural Farming | Organic Farming |
|---|---|---|
| External Inputs | No external inputs | Certified organic inputs allowed |
| Fertilizers & Pesticides | Cow dung, urine, mulch | Compost, biofertilizers, neem-based sprays |
| Soil Amendments | No minerals or supplements | Natural minerals like rock phosphate allowed |
| Seed Use | Indigenous, untreated seeds | Organic-certified seeds preferred |
⚠️ Challenges and Concerns
Even though natural farming is gaining momentum, several challenges remain:
Yield Variability: Mixed evidence—some regions report stable or higher yields, while others experience initial declines.
Limited Awareness: Farmers require training, demonstrations, and capacity-building programs.
Market Barriers: Lack of certification prevents farmers from obtaining premium market prices.
Transition Disruptions: Shifting from chemical to natural farming can cause short-term yield fluctuations.
Need for Scientific Validation: Long-term, region-specific studies are essential to establish reliability across India’s diverse agro-climatic zones.
🏛️ Key Government Initiatives Supporting Natural Farming
1. National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)
Centrally sponsored scheme promoting chemical-free farming
Budget: ₹2,481 crore (Centre: ₹1,584 crore; States: ₹897 crore) until 2025–26
Supports farmer clusters, training, model villages, and livestock integration
2. NITI Aayog’s Natural Farming Initiative
Promotes natural farming for soil health, reduced chemical fertilizer use, and farmer income enhancement
Encourages community movements like ‘Muktikar Abhiyan’
3. State-Level Models
Andhra Pradesh: Large-scale adoption under Swarnandhra Vision, focusing on soil cover, crop diversity, and botanical pest control
Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh: Implementing natural farming under Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati (BPKP)
🌍 Conclusion
India’s proactive steps—through major financial support, scientific integration, and farmer-led movements—are positioning the country as a global hub for natural farming. While challenges remain, the combination of traditional practices, government backing, and community participation is paving the way for a sustainable, low-cost, and eco-friendly agricultural future.
