Natural Farming
Context:
Farmers in Himachal Pradesh are rapidly shifting away from chemical-based agriculture toward natural, sustainable, and environmentally friendly farming. This transformation has been made possible due to the State Government’s initiatives such as the “Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana (PK3Y)” and the introduction of Minimum Support Price (MSP) policies for naturally grown crops.
UPSC Relevance:
Agriculture
UPSC PYQ:
Q. What are the present challenges before crop diversification? How do emerging technologies provide an opportunity for crop diversification? (2021).
About Natural Farming:
Natural Farming may be defined as a farming without chemicals and relies on varied farming system based on agro-ecology, that integrates crops, trees and livestock.
Natural farming allows the optimum use of functional biodiversity, which encourages the use of on-farm inputs prepared by the farmers, and the indigenous breed of cow (Desi cow) are preferred and plays a vital role in natural farming system. Other cattles dung and urine can also be used for preparation of concoctions which builds on natural or ecological processes that exist in or around farms.
Benefits:
- Ensures Better Health
- Environment Conservation
- Increased Farmers’ Income
- Employment Generation
- Reduced Water Consumption
- Minimized Cost Of Production
- Eliminates Application Of Synthetic Chemical Inputs
- Rejuvenates Soil Health
- Improve Yield
- Livestock Sustainability
Govt Steps:
- National Mission on Natural Farming:
- National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) is a standalone Centrally Sponsored Scheme launched in November 2024 to promote chemical-free, ecosystem-based natural farming rooted in traditional knowledge.
- The Mission targets 7.5 lakh hectares through 15,000 clusters, with ₹2,481 crore total outlay and facilitate 1 crore farmers.
- Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY):
- The Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, launched in FY 2015-16, is the first comprehensive centrally sponsored programme by the central government for the promotion of organic farming in the country. Total funds released under this programme as of December 6, 2024 are Rs. 2,170.30 crore.
- Krishi Vigyan Kendras
- The concept of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) was framed by Professor M.S. Swaminathan, Father of Agriculture Research of India. KVKs have been functioning as a Knowledge and Resource Centre of agricultural technology supporting initiatives of the public, private and voluntary sectors for improving the agricultural economy of the district and linking the National Agricultural Research System (NARS) with the extension system and farmers.