Overview of Natural Faming-A New Environmentally Responsible Production System

The new production system viz., natural farming (NF) parallel to organic farming getting ground rapidly in India due to significant development at policy fronts and need to reduce the over-dependence on purchased inputs which are mostly highly subsidized.The natural farming earlier treated as a type of organic farming defined by NITI Ayog as chemical-free traditional farming method and considered as an agroecology based diversified farming system which integrates crops, trees and livestock with functional biodiversity.The objectives of natural farming can be defined by keywords viz., efficient utilization of natural resources, preservation of plant, animal and microbial diversity, restoring soil health and improve economic gain to farmer.The principles of natural farming are based on agroecology, encourage ecological diversity, enhance mutual aid and increase people's control over their lives.The major components involved in natural farming are Beejamrut, Jeevamrut, mulching, whapasa condition and plant protection using different biological inputs (Agniastra, Bramhastra and Neemastra).The major policy intervention at present taking place is promotion of natural farming; while unfolding the different aspects of natural farming is the key area at different forums (academic, research, extension, promotion and policy intervention) all over the India.In nutshell, the natural farming promotion is one of the most important steps towards environmental responsive agricultural development which has multiple positive effects on natural resources, reduction in dependence on purchased inputs, bringing self-dependency and self-reliance in farming communities.Hence its incorporation agriculture with identification of suitable niche is important step for sustainable agro-ecosystem.