Natural Farming in India: Evidence, Insights and Pathways Toward Sustainable Agriculture

N RAVISANKAR; Velmurugan A; Raghavendra KJ; A K Prusty; PVN Sindhuja; T P Swarnam; Rakshit Bhagat; A K Nayak

doi:10.56093/ijas.v96i11.175261

Authors

N RAVISANKAR ICAR-Indian Institute of Farming Systems Research, Modipuram
Velmurugan A ICAR
Raghavendra KJ
A K Prusty
PVN Sindhuja
T P Swarnam
Rakshit Bhagat
A K Nayak

https://doi.org/10.56093/ijas.v96i11.175261

Keywords:

Bio-input, Climate resilience, Ecosystem services, Natural Farming, Sustainable agriculture, Soil health

Abstract

The intensification of agriculture in India after the Green Revolution has resulted in soil degradation, nutrient imbalances, biodiversity loss and overdependence on synthetic inputs, raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of modern agriculture. These challenges have renewed interest in low-input, ecologically balanced and traditional approaches, viz., Natural Farming (NF), which emphasizes the use of on-farm resources, biological inputs, and traditional ecological knowledge to sustain productivity while restoring environmental quality. Therefore, this review analyses literature published between 1980 and 2025 to synthesize existing evidence on the principles, practices and performance of NF practices. A systematic assessment of agronomic, ecological and socio-economic dimensions was undertaken to identify prevailing research gaps and future priorities. It was revealed that NF can sustain or enhance crop productivity in legume- and low-input-based systems while reducing external input costs by 25-40%. Traditional bio-formulations, i.e., Neemastra and Brahmastra, effectively reduced pest incidence by 20-35% in crops, viz., groundnut and tomato, although cereal crops (rice and wheat) experienced 10-15% yield declines during the initial transition years. The long-term adoption improved soil organic carbon by 0.2-0.4% within three to five years, increased microbial biomass by 30-60%, and nearly doubled earthworm populations, indicating the substantial ecological recovery. Furthermore, the adoption of NF practices significantly decreased the reliance on synthetic fertilizers, leading to a 15-25% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. NF promoted on-farm resource recycling, crop diversification and rural resilience, yet challenges persist in certification, yield stability, and market access. Strengthening field-based scientific validation, developing nutrient balance strategies and promoting institutional and policy support are important for scaling NF.

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Author Biography

N RAVISANKAR, ICAR-Indian Institute of Farming Systems Research, Modipuram

Principal Scientist (Agronomy), Coordination Unit

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