New Delhi: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has reported encouraging results from its nationwide natural farming studies, showing improvements in soil health, crop productivity, and farmers’ profitability.
The research, conducted since 2020-21 under the All India Network Programme on Natural Farming, covers 20 centres across 16 states and evaluates eight major cropping systems.
According to ICAR, natural farming, when adopted with appropriate techniques, improves crop yields, enhances soil health, and reduces cultivation costs, resulting in higher net returns for farmers. Practices such as mulching and multi-cropping were found to improve soil moisture, increase biodiversity, reduce pest incidence, and promote beneficial microorganisms.
The study also developed state-specific natural farming packages for cropping systems in states including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Kerala.
ICAR said soil organic carbon levels increased significantly within two to three years under natural farming, while microbial diversity also improved, strengthening long-term soil fertility and sustainable crop production.
