BJP Kisan Morcha to hold roundtable on natural farming on January 3

The BJP Kisan Morcha's roundtable on natural farming, scheduled for January 3, represents a significant step in the broader governmental push towards sustainable agricultural practices in India. This initiative is not an isolated event but rather a reflection of a growing national and global concern for environmental sustainability, farmer welfare, and public health. For competitive exam aspirants, understanding this topic requires delving into its background, implications, and constitutional underpinnings.

Historically, India's agricultural trajectory was largely shaped by the Green Revolution, initiated in the mid-1960s to address severe food shortages. This revolution, characterized by the adoption of high-yielding varieties of seeds, chemical fertilizers, and irrigation, dramatically increased food production and made India self-sufficient in food grains. However, this success came with significant environmental and economic costs, including soil degradation, water depletion, loss of biodiversity, increased input costs for farmers, and health concerns due to chemical residues. Over time, these challenges necessitated a re-evaluation of agricultural policies, leading to a gradual shift towards more sustainable and eco-friendly methods.

Natural farming, often synonymous with 'Zero Budget Natural Farming' (ZBNF) championed by Subhash Palekar, is a chemical-free agricultural method that relies on agro-ecology. It emphasizes the restoration of soil health, conservation of water, and promotion of biodiversity by avoiding synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Instead, it uses natural inputs like 'Jeevamrut' (a microbial concoction), 'Bijamrut' (seed treatment), and mulching. The primary objective of the BJP Kisan Morcha's roundtable is to raise awareness among farmers about these aspects, encouraging them to adopt practices that reduce input costs and improve soil fertility and environmental health.

Several key stakeholders are involved in this movement. The **BJP Kisan Morcha**, as the farmers' wing of the ruling party, plays a crucial role in political outreach, advocacy, and mobilizing farmers. **Farmers** themselves are the central figures, whose adoption of these practices is vital for success. The **Central and State Governments**, particularly the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, are instrumental in formulating policies, providing financial support, and facilitating research through institutions like the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). **NITI Aayog**, as the government's premier think tank, has also been a strong proponent of natural farming. Environmental organizations and agricultural scientists further contribute through research, awareness campaigns, and technical guidance.

This push for natural farming holds immense significance for India. Economically, it promises to reduce farmers' dependence on expensive chemical inputs, thereby potentially increasing their net income and alleviating agrarian distress. It can also enhance the quality of produce, opening up new market opportunities for organic and natural products, both domestically and internationally. Environmentally, natural farming is critical for reversing soil degradation, conserving water resources, enhancing biodiversity, and mitigating climate change by promoting carbon sequestration in the soil. Socially, it leads to healthier food for consumers and reduces farmers' exposure to harmful chemicals. Politically, it aligns with the government's broader agenda of farmer welfare, rural development, and achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to food security, health, and environmental protection.

The historical context of policy evolution is crucial. While the Green Revolution addressed food scarcity, subsequent policies began to focus on sustainability. The Union Budget 2022-23 explicitly announced the promotion of chemical-free natural farming across the country, with a focus on the Ganga river corridor. This policy thrust is supported by schemes like the **Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)**, launched in 2015, which promotes organic farming. Under PKVY, the **Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati (BPKP)** was introduced in 2020-21 specifically to promote natural farming. More recently, the **National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)** was launched to further scale up adoption.

From a constitutional perspective, the promotion of natural farming finds its mandate in the **Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)**. **Article 48** 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. While 'modern and scientific' initially pointed towards chemical-intensive methods, contemporary understanding includes sustainable practices. More directly, **Article 48A**, inserted by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976, directs the State to endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country. Natural farming directly contributes to environmental protection and improvement, aligning perfectly with this directive.

Looking ahead, the future implications are significant. A sustained governmental and societal push could lead to wider adoption of natural farming, transforming India's agricultural landscape. However, challenges such as ensuring adequate training and extension services, addressing potential initial yield drops during transition, establishing robust certification mechanisms, and creating effective market linkages for naturally farmed produce need to be overcome. Continued research, policy support, and collaboration among stakeholders will be crucial for India to successfully transition towards a more sustainable and resilient agricultural future, potentially positioning itself as a leader in eco-friendly farming practices globally.