BUDGET : NATURAL FARMING – SCHEMES:

BUDGET : NATURAL FARMING – SCHEMES:

NEWS: Should India focus on natural farming?


WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?

Union Budget 2024-25 Announcements on Natural Farming:

  1. Farmer Initiation:
    • 1 crore farmers to be initiated into natural farming over the next two years.
    • Support includes certification and branding.
  2. Implementation:
    • Execution through scientific institutions and gram panchayats.
    • Establishment of 10,000 bio-input resource centers.
  3. Focus Shift:
    • Emphasis on the number of farmers rather than area coverage.
    • Addressing the issue of 30-40% of farmers reverting to chemical farming.

 

What is Natural, Organic, and Zero-Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF)?

  1. Natural Farming:
    • Utilizes bio inputs from local ecosystems.
    • ZBNF involves mixtures like cow urine, dung, jaggery, lime, and neem to enhance soil health and reduce costs.
  2. Organic Farming:
    • Defined by certification and no use of chemical fertilizers/pesticides.
    • Focuses on organic inputs but may not align with the local ecosystem approach of natural farming.

 

Government Initiatives to Promote Natural Farming:

  1. Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY):
    • Launched in 2015.
    • Supports organic farming to improve soil health.
  2. Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati (BPKP)/ZBNF:
    • Sub-scheme of PKVY with ₹4,645.69 crore outlay.
    • Financial assistance for cluster formation, capacity building, and certification.
  3. National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF):
    • Upcoming mission to promote chemical-free farming.

 

Challenges and Concerns:

  1. Sustainability and Yield:
    • Concerns about yield reductions (e.g., 59% decline in wheat and 32% in basmati rice yields).
  2. Large-Scale Transition:
    • Potential impact on food security.
    • Example: Sri Lanka’s experience with reduced yields after banning chemical fertilizers.

 

Way Forward:

  1. Yield Trials:
    • Conduct extensive trials to address food security concerns.
  2. Supplementary Crops:
    • Focus on supplementary foodstuffs rather than staple crops.
  3. Gradual Transition:
    • Start on a smaller scale and assess success before broader application.
  4. Support Systems:
    • Strengthen training, certification, and resource centers.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/should-india-focus-on-natural-farming/article68454546.ece