Natural farming in India, sprouting but still to grow deep roots
Natural farming, with its emphasis on biodiversity, soil health, and reduced chemical inputs, is gaining traction across India’s agricultural landscape. Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh have emerged as testing grounds for this promising method, showcasing unique models that focus on sustainable agriculture. The 2024-25 Union Budget, with its allocation of substantial resources to natural farming, marks a pivotal moment. However, as we push toward a low-carbon agricultural future, there are still some pertinent questions to be answered. Will natural farming transform Indian agriculture? Or will it remain an ambitious but niche endeavour?
Successes and challenges in some States
In Himachal Pradesh, the State’s Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana (PK3Y) has been an impor...