Natural Farming

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It is a chemical free, low-input, climate-resilient farming system based on livestock and locally available resources while eliminating synthetic agro-chemicals.
States practicing NF are Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, etc.
Benefits of Natural Farming: Improved Yield; revitalizes soil microbiota, improving soil health; better soil biology, improved agro-biodiversity; more judicious usage of water; smaller carbon and nitrogen footprints; use of bio-inoculums nutrient content and increase bioavailability for humans.

Organic vs. Natural Farming Systems Both are non-chemical systems of farming largely relying on biomass management, rejuvenation of natural nutrient recycling, crop rotation and multiple cropping.

Parameter	Organic Farming	Natural Farming
Input	Involves off-farm purchased organic and biological inputs.	No external inputs and use on-farm inputs based on Desi Cow.
Soil Correction	Need based soil correction through natural mined minerals.	Use of compost/ vermi compost and minerals are not allowed.
Agro Practices	Requires practices like plowing, tilting, mixing of manures, weeding, etc. to be performed.	Decomposition of organic matter by microbes and earthworms is encouraged on the soil surface.
Cost	More expensive due to need for organic manures.	Low cost due to reliance on local biodiversity.

Initiative:

National Centre for Management of Agriculture Extension (MANAGE): MANAGE is a knowledge partner for documentation of best practices, digitalization of success stories on Natural Farming.
National Centre for Organic and Natural Farming (NCONF): For promotion of chemical-free agricultural systems and development of certification programme for Natural Farming.
National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): One of the eight Missions outlined under National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).
PKVY: Launched in 2015 to produce agricultural products free from chemicals and pesticides residues by adopting eco- friendly, low- cost technologies.