“TRANSFORMING AGRICULTURE: ANDHRA PRADESH’S NATURAL FARMING SUCCESS”

Syllabus:

  • GS-1:

Geography: Agricultural practices, environmental management, and sustainable agriculture.

  • GS-2:

Government Schemes and Policies: Policies related to agriculture, rural development, and sustainable practices.

  • GS3:

Agriculture: Agricultural practices, reforms, and technology

Focus:

Natural farming in Andhra Pradesh is gaining international attention due to its successful model that improves soil health, increases crop yields, and reduces environmental impact. Recognized globally, the program’s innovative practices are being adopted and adapted in various regions, showcasing a sustainable approach to agriculture.

TRANSFORMING AGRICULTURE: ANDHRA PRADESH’S NATURAL FARMING SUCCESS - UPSCsource:slideshare

Introduction to Natural Farming Practices

  • Overview of Natural Farming: Natural farming focuses on sustainable practices that enhance soil health and reduce reliance on chemical inputs. Techniques include using indigenous seeds, integrating animals into farming, and employing biostimulants.
  • Farmers’ Adoption: Farmers in Andhra Pradesh are increasingly adopting these methods, demonstrating their effectiveness through improved crop yields and soil health.
  • Regional Examples: Farmers in villages like Tippanagunta, Arugolanu, and Kanugolu showcase successful implementations of natural farming techniques.
  • Training and Support: Farmers receive support from community resource persons, master trainers, and regional project coordinators.
  • Economic Impact: Natural farming practices contribute to increased income through diversified crops and reduced costs.
What is Natural Farming?

  • Chemical-Free Farming: Avoids synthetic chemicals, focusing on natural inputs and methods.
  • Soil Microbiology: Emphasises the role of soil microbes in maintaining soil health and fertility.
  • Diversified Farming System: Integrates crops, trees, and livestock to utilise biodiversity effectively.
  • Indigenous Practices: Includes traditional farming techniques adapted to local conditions.
  • Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF): Popular in Andhra Pradesh, focuses on reducing costs by using local resources.

About Natural Farming in India:

  • Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati (BPKP): Sub-mission under Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), part of the National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA).
  • Traditional Practices: Aims to promote indigenous methods and reduce dependency on external inputs.

Initiatives at the State Level:

  • Andhra Pradesh (2015): Launched natural farming as a state policy, leading in farmer adoption of local inputs.
  • Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh: Adopted natural farming as part of state policy to promote sustainability and reduce chemical use.

Key Points on Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF):

  • No Credit, No Chemicals: ZBNF involves farming without external credit and chemical fertilisers, focusing on natural methods.
  • Low Input Cost: Reduces reliance on expensive inputs and cuts production costs, helping farmers avoid debt.
  • Higher Yields: Increases crop yields by 8-32% through the use of bio-fertilizers and improved soil fertility.
  • Increased Net Income: Improves farmer incomes and financial resilience against economic shocks.
  • Food and Nutritional Security: Enhances food security by encouraging diverse crops and improving nutritional access.
  • Environmental Benefits: Reduces chemical pollution, improves soil moisture, and supports water efficiency.
  • Climate Resilience: Builds soil fertility and resilience to extreme climate events, while reducing ocean acidification.

Successful Implementation in Andhra Pradesh:

  • Tippanagunta Village: Farmers use the Pre-Monsoon Dry Sowing (PMDS) model to grow pulses, vegetables, and cereals. This model improves soil health and reduces water usage.
  • Arugolanu Village: Farmers create temporary bunds with jute ropes to reduce soil disturbance and minimise tillage.
  • Kanugolu Village: A family has developed a 365-day kitchen garden, meeting local demand for vegetables and reducing dependence on external sources.
  • Satyavathi’s Initiative: A local farmer opened a shop for natural fertilisers and growth promoters, generating significant additional income.
  • Padma Kagam’s Experience: Farmers in Padma Kagam’s village benefit from financial gains by selling vegetables and grasses from PMDS fields.

Government and Organisational Support:

  • Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCMNF): Established in 2016, this program supports farmers in transitioning to natural farming through various practices.
  • RySS Role: The Rural Development Trust’s (RySS) initiatives include training and supporting farmers in using organic residues and minimising tillage.
  • APCMNF Goals: The program aims to provide year-round green cover, improve soil fertility, and promote environmental conservation.
  • Financial Support: Funding from schemes like Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana and international donors supports the program’s expansion.
  • Recognition: APCMNF’s efforts have gained global recognition, including the 2024 Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity.

Technological and Scientific Advances:

  • Scientific Principles: Natural farming incorporates scientific principles to enhance soil health and crop yield without chemical inputs.
  • PMDS Model: The Pre-Monsoon Dry Sowing (PMDS) model allows farmers to grow multiple crops annually, even in rainfed conditions.
  • Innovative Techniques: Techniques such as using bio-stimulants and indigenous seeds are employed to optimise crop

Global Expansion and Training:

  • International Collaboration: Teams from Andhra Pradesh are set to visit Global South countries to share natural farming techniques and upskill local farmers.
  • Training Programs: Training programs for farmers include both local and international knowledge exchanges.
  • Global Recognition: Andhra Pradesh’s natural farming model is being adopted and adapted by other states in India and international regions.
  • Future Plans: Plans include expanding the program to reach more farmers and increase its impact globally.
  • Funding and Support: Continued funding from national and international sources supports the program’s growth and global outreach.

Challenges in adopting Natural Farming:

  • Resistance to Change: Overcoming traditional farming practices and convincing farmers to adopt new methods can be difficult and requires continuous education.
  • Financial Constraints: Securing sufficient funding for program expansion and support can be challenging, particularly in regions with limited financial resources.
  • Scalability Issues: Scaling successful models to new regions and maintaining quality and consistency can be difficult, requiring careful planning and resources.
  • Technical Expertise: Ensuring that all farmers have access to the necessary technical expertise and knowledge to implement and maintain natural farming practices.
  • Climate Variability: Adapting natural farming techniques to diverse and changing climate conditions can be challenging and requires ongoing research and flexibility.
  • Expert Concerns: Widespread adoption may undermine decades of agricultural research and development.
  • Economic Impact: Threatens the ₹18,000 crore crop protection industry and its business ecosystem.
  • Pest Management: While improving soil health, natural farming may still require chemical interventions during pest outbreaks.
  • Limited Government Support: National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture receives only 0.8% of the agricultural budget.
  • Infrastructure Limitations: Inadequate infrastructure, such as lack of access to markets or storage facilities, can hinder the effectiveness and profitability of natural farming.
  • Monitoring and Evaluation: Establishing effective systems for monitoring and evaluating the impact of natural farming practices to ensure they meet desired outcomes and make necessary adjustments.

Recommendations for Promoting Natural Farming:

  • Balanced Approach: Learn from Sri Lanka’s experience with abrupt chemical fertiliser bans, which led to reduced production and food shortages.
  • Gradual Transition: Allow 3-5 years for farmers to transition to natural farming; support this with awareness campaigns and practical examples.
  • Scientific Validation: Support natural farming with scientific research; ICAR’s curriculum development for natural farming is a positive step.
  • Pesticide Use: Encourage judicious use of chemicals; India’s pesticide application is already lower than in some developed countries.
  • Policy Shift: Focus national policy on nutrition security rather than just yields; incentivize outcomes like improved nutrition and water conservation over input subsidies.

Conclusion:

The natural farming movement in Andhra Pradesh represents a significant shift towards sustainable agriculture. With successful implementation and global recognition, the model offers a viable solution to environmental and economic challenges in farming. Continued support and adaptation will be crucial for its long-term success and wider adoption.

Source: The Hindu

Mains Practice Question:

Discuss the impact of Andhra Pradesh’s natural farming model on sustainable agriculture. How can this model be adapted for use in other regions facing similar agricultural challenges?

Associated Article:

https://universalinstitutions.com/should-india-focus-on-natural-farming/