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Natural Farming Gains Traction in Himachal

 Oct 13, 2025   Admin

Farmers in Himachal Pradesh are increasingly adopting natural farming, supported by the State’s flagship Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana (PK3Y), which promotes chemical-free agriculture. 

What is Natural Farming?

  • It  is a chemical free farming, involving livestock (preferably local breed of cow) integrated natural farming methods and diversified crop systems rooted in the Indian traditional knowledge.
  • It is  rooted in Indian tradition enriched with modern understanding of ecology, resource recycling and on-farm resource optimization. 
  • It is considered as an agroecology based diversified farming system which integrates cropstrees and livestock with functional biodiversity. 
  • It is largely based on on-farm biomass recycling with major stress on biomass mulching, use of on-farm cow dung-urine formulations; maintaining soil aeration and exclusion of all synthetic chemical inputs. 
  • Present status 

  • Several states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Kerala are leading in natural farming, having developed successful models.
  •  Benefits 

  • Improved Soil Health: Natural farming enhances soil organic matter and microbial activity, leading to better nutrient cycling and water retention.
  • Reduced Input Costs: Farmers save significantly by eliminating chemical fertilizers and pesticides, lowering their financial burden while enhancing farmer incomes.
  • Climate Resilience: Diverse cropping systems and organic inputs help farms withstand erratic weather and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Healthy Food Production: Chemical-free produce supports public health and aligns with growing consumer demand for organic food.
  • Challenges

  • Yield Uncertainty: Transitioning from chemical to natural inputs may initially reduce yields, especially in high-input zones.
  • Lack of Knowledge Gaps: Farmers need training in soil biology, composting, and pest management without chemicals.
  • Market Linkages: Lack of dedicated supply chains and certification mechanisms for natural produce limits profitability.
  • Coordination between central and state governments, and alignment with existing agricultural schemes, remains uneven.
  • Steps 

  • 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.
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