Organic farming and natural farming are two distinct agricultural approaches that prioritize sustainability, environmental health, and the production of wholesome food. While both methods share common goals of minimizing synthetic inputs and promoting ecosystem balance, they diverge in their underlying philosophies and practices. Organic farming adheres to a set of regulated standards that prohibit the use of synthetic chemicals and genetically modified organisms (GMOs), focusing instead on organic fertilizers, crop rotation, and pest management techniques. On the other hand, natural farming, inspired by traditional practices and principles of harmony with nature, emphasizes minimal intervention and harnessing natural processes to cultivate crops. Understanding the differences and nuances between these two methods is crucial for navigating the complex landscape of sustainable agriculture in the modern world.
Similarities:
- Both organic and natural farming methods embody sustainable approaches to agriculture.
- Their core aim is to cultivate chemical-free crops by abstaining from the use of synthetic fertilizers and chemical pesticides.
- Additionally, they advocate for the utilization of indigenous seed varieties and plants, as well as non-chemical homemade pest control techniques.
Differences
- Natural farming is often described as “the natural way of farming” or “do-nothing farming,” emphasizing minimal intervention and allowing nature to take its course.
- Organic farming, on the other hand, is a comprehensive system aimed at optimizing the productivity of diverse communities, including plants and livestock, within the agroecosystem through holistic practices.
- Organic farming does not discourage fundamental practices such as plowing, tilling, applying bulk organic manures (such as compost and vermicompost), and weeding.
- In contrast, natural farming preserves the natural agroecosystem by avoiding practices like plowing, tilling of the soil, weeding, and the application of bulk organic manures.
- Organic farming can be capital-intensive due to the requirement for bulk organic manures, modified agroecosystems, and other inputs.
- Conversely, natural farming is extremely low-cost, with approaches like Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) being almost zero-cost, relying on locally made preparations.
GOVERNMENT INITIATIVE TO PROMOTE ORGANIC FARMING:
Mission Organic Value Chain Development in the NorthEast Region (MOVCD-NER):
- MOVCD-NER, a Central Sector Scheme under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), was initiated in 2015 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
- It focuses on developing certified organic production in a value chain mode across states in the NorthEast Region, connecting growers with consumers and supporting the entire value chain’s development.
Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY):
- Launched in 2015, PKVY is an integral component of the National Mission of Sustainable Agriculture’s Soil Health Management (NMSA-SHM).
- It promotes organic farming through cluster-based approaches in organic villages and facilitates Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) certification.
Schemes for Certification:
- The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulates organic food in the domestic market and imports.
- Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) certifies organic products during the transition period to “organic” and is primarily for domestic use.
- The National Program for Organic Production (NPOP) offers third-party certification for export purposes.
Soil Health Card Scheme:
- Implemented to enhance soil health, this scheme has reduced chemical fertilizer usage by 8-10% while increasing productivity by 5-6%.
Agri-export Policy:
- The focus on clusters and promotion of “Produce of India” has positively impacted organic farming, facilitating market access.
One District – One Product (ODOP) Programme:
- Aimed at promoting indigenous and specialized products/crafts from Uttar Pradesh, creating jobs at the district level, and achieving economies of scale for small farmers.
PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PM FME):
- Launched as part of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’ by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, this scheme aims to provide technology and credit support to small entrepreneurs entering new markets.
Zero Budget Natural Farming:
- A chemical-free agriculture method based on traditional Indian practices, emphasizing minimal input costs and locally sourced resources.
FAQs: Organic Farming vs Natural Farming
1-What are the core similarities between organic farming and natural farming?
A: Both organic and natural farming methods prioritize sustainability by avoiding synthetic fertilizers and chemical pesticides. They also advocate for the use of indigenous seed varieties and homemade pest control methods.
2-How do organic and natural farming approaches differ?
A: Natural farming, often called “the natural way of farming” or “do-nothing farming,” involves minimal intervention, allowing nature to manage agricultural processes. Organic farming, however, is a comprehensive system aimed at optimizing productivity through holistic practices.
3-What are some key practices that distinguish organic farming from natural farming?
A: Organic farming does not discourage fundamental practices like plowing, tilling, and applying bulk organic manures, while natural farming avoids such practices to preserve the natural agroecosystem.
4-Are there cost differences between organic and natural farming?
A: Yes, organic farming can be capital-intensive due to the need for bulk organic manures and modified agroecosystems, while natural farming, especially approaches like Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF), is extremely low-cost, often relying on locally made preparations.
5-What government initiatives promote organic farming in India?
A: Initiatives like Mission Organic Value Chain Development in the NorthEast Region (MOVCD-NER) and Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) aim to develop certified organic production and support organic farming practices.
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