Natural Farming: Sustainable and Chemical-Free Agriculture for Healthy Ecosystems
Natural farming is an ecological, sustainable farming approach that emphasizes working with nature to cultivate crops and raise livestock while minimizing external (artificial) inputs. This method avoids synthetic chemicals and focuses on natural inputs and processes to maintain soil fertility, ecosystem health, and balance.
Here are some of the key aspects/principles of natural farming:
- Chemical-Free Approach: Natural farming eliminates chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides. Instead, it utilizes natural inputs like compost, green manures, and biocultural formulations such as Jeevamrit and Beejamrit, which are made from cow dung and urine from local breeds.
- Integrated Farming Systems: This method integrates crops, trees, and livestock into a diversified farming system. This integration promotes functional biodiversity, enhancing the resilience and productivity of the farm. For instance, animals provide manure that enriches the soil, and crops are chosen and combined for their complementary growth patterns, pest resistance , and forage.
- Soil Health and Biodiversity: Natural farming prioritizes the health of the soil microbiome. Practices such as mulching, cover cropping, and minimal soil disturbance are used to foster a rich, living soil ecosystem. This approach helps maintain soil moisture, improve fertility, and increase the farm's overall biodiversity.
- Cost-Effectiveness and Farmer Welfare: Natural farming lowers production costs and can enhance farmers' incomes by reducing reliance on purchased/external inputs, creating a circular (almost self-sustained) system. It also contributes to the health of the environment and the well-being of farming communities by reducing exposure to harmful chemicals and fostering sustainable practices.
An Example of Natural Farming
In Nagaland, India, natural farming practices are being promoted through government initiatives. Farmers are encouraged to use locally available resources and indigenous techniques to cultivate crops and raise livestock. For example, they practice intercropping and use green manures to enhance soil fertility. Additionally, they employ traditional pest control methods using botanical extracts like neem oil, which helps maintain crop health without resorting to synthetic pesticides.
Overall, natural farming is an eco-friendly and sustainable approach that aligns agricultural practices with natural ecological processes, promoting long-term environmental health and economic viability for farmers.
References
https://naturalfarming.dac.gov.in/NaturalFarming/Concept
https://www.manage.gov.in/NaturalFarming/Files/PPTPDFs/nagaland.pdf
https://www.services.bis.gov.in/php/BIS_2.0/BISBlog/natural-farming-a-new-direction-for-indian-agriculture/
Further reading
Farm practices to increase biodiversity and enhance ecosystem services
Syntropic Agroforestry Orchard with Red Fruit as a Cash Crop in Mediterranean
What is intercropping and why is it better than monoculture?
Circular agriculture – The soil microbiome and the advantage of using recycled nutrients
