Financial Assistance for Natural Farming: ICAR Network Study
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · IR
Why in news
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has initiated a network study on natural farming across 16 states, and the government is providing financial incentives to farmers. This move aims to promote chemical-free agriculture and improve soil health.
Background
Natural farming is a chemical-free agricultural practice that relies on on-farm inputs like cow dung and urine. The All India Network Programme on Natural Farming (AINP-NF) was launched in 2020-21 to evaluate its effectiveness across major cropping systems.
Key facts
ICAR started the All India Network Programme on Natural Farming (AINP-NF) in 2020-21 with 20 collaborating centers across 16 states.
The programme evaluates 8 major cropping systems and develops location-specific natural farming packages.
In Himalayan regions, soil organic carbon (SOC) increased from ~0.90% to 1.15% under natural farming.
Natural farming fields showed higher microbial abundance and diversity compared to chemically fertilized soils.
Under the mission, farmers receive a production-based incentive of ₹4,000 per acre per year for up to 2 years (max 1 acre per farmer).
About 91.2% of farmers adopting natural farming reported increased productivity and improved soil condition (NITI Aayog assessment).
90.1% of farmers reported reduced production costs after adopting natural farming.
Cropping system productivity under natural farming was comparable or slightly higher than integrated crop management in several regions.
Prelims pointers
- ICAR: Indian Council of Agricultural Research
- AINP-NF: All India Network Programme on Natural Farming
- Natural farming incentive: ₹4,000/acre/year for 2 years
- NITI Aayog assessment on natural farming
- Soil organic carbon (SOC) improvement under natural farming
Mains angles
- Discuss the potential of natural farming in achieving sustainable agriculture and improving soil health.
- Critically examine the role of financial incentives in promoting adoption of natural farming among smallholders.
- Compare natural farming with organic farming and integrated crop management in terms of productivity and cost-effectiveness.