Explainer: Natural farming in the classroom

A recent communique by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to all state and Central agricultural universities underscores why a thrust on studying and promoting natural farming is critical going forward. In a letter to the Vice-Chancellors, the ICAR has urged for introduction of undergraduate and postgraduate courses and research programmes in natural farming.

Natural farming and sustainable practices, the letter stresses, can tackle several serious issues like chemical pollution, farmers’ debt, water conservation and at the same time will help in enhancing biodiversity and producing healthier food.

Efforts by PAU

Punjab Agricultural University in Ludhiana has a dedicated School of Organic and Natural Farming that was established in 2017. Its mandate is to carry out multi-disciplinary research, training and extension for the development and dissemination of scientific knowledge on organic and natural agriculture.

The School has a well-established 1-hectare Integrated Farming System model farm having components of field crops, dairy, horticulture, fishery and agro-forestry. It also has a unit for vermicomposting and vermiculture.

Queries for enrolling in natural and organic farming courses have increased manifold post-Covid. “We daily receive two-three queries about natural and organic farming. Post-Covid, people have become far more conscious about the way food is grown. Natural farming is no longer seen as an alternative, but as a necessity because it safeguards health, restores the soil, and ensures food security in times of uncertainty,” says Dr Sohan Singh Walia, Director, School of Organic and Natural Farming, PAU.

Exploring farming practices

PAU students have been demanding that the Punjab government should make agriculture a compulsory subject in government schools from classes 9-12. “We want agriculture to be taught in schools because it connects education with real farm development, and teaches life skills as well as social responsibility from a very young age. Educating children about farming early in life will help them understand the value of natural farming as well as learn about growing their own food in harmony with nature without the use of chemicals. This will ensure health and harmony for all,” says Angrej Singh, founder member of the Agriculture Students Association of Punjab (ASAP), which is fighting for the cause.

In PAU, organic farming is part of BSc (Agriculture). A course on ‘Principles of Natural Farming’ is also taught to students of BSc (Agriculture) and BSc (Horticulture). Similarly, organic farming and natural farming courses are offered by the Department of Agronomy for postgraduate students. Many short-duration courses are also conducted from time to time for anyone interested in developing kitchen gardens in their homes.

Shift in focus

PAU Vice-Chancellor Dr Satbir Singh Gosal says, “We have ushered in the Green Revolution, and now the focus can shift towards natural and organic farming. By taking small steps, we can make significant strides in this field as well. While yields may be affected initially with the adoption of natural farming, starting at a small level such as through kitchen gardens can be a great way forward.”

Natural Farming vs Organic farming

— In natural farming, the laws of nature are applied to agricultural practices. Everything is used from the farm itself, including the seeds. Organic farming is an eco-friendly farming system that follows the principle of health in relation to soil and environment.

— Natural farming avoids all external inputs, including organic fertilisers, and relies solely on natural cycles. Organic farming prohibits synthetic chemicals but allows the use of approved organic inputs like compost, vermicompost, and manure.

— Natural farming emphasises minimal soil disturbance and no tilling or weeding, whereas organic farming may involve these basic practices.