Once driven by crop failure and migration, Betul’s villages are reclaiming agriculture through farmer-led natural farming

The success story emanating from the Saigohan Watershed in Betul district, Madhya Pradesh, presents a compelling narrative of agricultural resurgence driven by grassroots initiatives. For decades, many rural pockets of India, including Betul, have grappled with the severe consequences of conventional, chemical-intensive farming: dwindling soil fertility, high input costs, debt traps, and ultimately, distress migration. Farmers, often dependent on erratic monsoons and expensive external inputs, found themselves in a vicious cycle of crop failure and economic hardship. This historical context of vulnerability laid the groundwork for a desperate need for alternative, sustainable solutions.

What truly happened in Betul is a paradigm shift: a 'farmer-led natural farming' movement that has empowered local communities to reclaim their agricultural heritage. Instead of relying on subsidies for chemical fertilizers and pesticides, farmers in the Saigohan Watershed adopted practices that work with nature, not against it. Natural farming, often synonymous with methods like Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) pioneered by Subhash Palekar, emphasizes the use of local resources, cow-based preparations (like Jeevamrut and Ghanjeevamrut), mulching, and soil aeration. This approach drastically reduces input costs, improves soil health, conserves water, and enhances biodiversity. The 'farmer-centric programme' aspect is crucial here, indicating that the solutions were not imposed from above but emerged from the collective wisdom and needs of the farmers themselves, fostering a genuine 'people’s movement'.

Key stakeholders in this transformative journey primarily include the **farmers** themselves, who are the architects and implementers of this change. Their willingness to experiment, share knowledge, and build community resilience is the bedrock of the movement. **Local communities and villagers** are also vital stakeholders, as the success of natural farming often relies on collective action for water management, seed saving, and knowledge dissemination. While the article highlights a farmer-led approach, **government agencies** at the state and central levels play a crucial enabling role through policy support, training, and market linkages. Schemes like the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), launched in 2015, and the Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati (BPKP), introduced in 2020-21, specifically promote organic and natural farming. **Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)** and local self-help groups (SHGs) often act as catalysts, providing initial training, facilitating peer learning, and helping farmers access resources and markets.

This Betul model holds immense significance for India. Economically, it offers a viable path to enhance farmer incomes by reducing input costs, making agriculture more profitable and sustainable. This can curb distress migration, strengthening rural economies. Environmentally, natural farming practices lead to healthier soils, better water retention, reduced chemical runoff, and increased biodiversity, directly contributing to climate change mitigation and adaptation. Socially, it fosters community empowerment, self-reliance, and potentially improves public health by reducing exposure to harmful chemicals. Politically, such successful grassroots models can influence national agricultural policy, demonstrating that ecological approaches are not just niche but scalable solutions for India's vast farming sector.

The constitutional framework supports such initiatives through several provisions. **Article 48** of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) mandates the State to organize agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines and to take steps for preserving and improving the breeds and prohibiting the slaughter of cows and calves and other milch and draught cattle. Furthermore, **Article 48A** directs the State to endeavor to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country. The **73rd Amendment Act of 1992**, which institutionalized Panchayati Raj Institutions, empowers local bodies to plan and implement schemes for economic development and social justice, including agriculture (as listed in the Eleventh Schedule, Entry 14). This devolution of power is critical for farmer-led initiatives to thrive.

Connecting to broader themes, Betul's success aligns perfectly with the **Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)**, particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). It showcases a practical approach to rural development, food security, and climate-smart agriculture. The future implications are profound: if replicated successfully, this model could be a blueprint for transforming Indian agriculture, making it resilient to climate change, economically viable for farmers, and environmentally sound. Challenges remain, such as scaling up, ensuring market linkages for naturally farmed produce, and providing consistent policy support, but Betul offers a beacon of hope for a greener, more prosperous agricultural future for India.