Natural Farming and Cutting Input Costs

How natural and organic farming aim to cut purchased inputs, the evidence on yields, and a recap of the module.

Some farmers are trying to cut purchased inputs altogether.

Natural farming

Uses on-farm inputs like cow dung, urine and mulching instead of chemical fertilisers and pesticides.
Andhra Pradesh runs a large community-managed natural farming programme.
The National Mission on Natural Farming was approved in 2024.

Organic farming

Sikkim became India’s first fully organic state in 2016.

Benefits

Lower costs, reducing debt.
Healthier soils over time.
Premium prices for organic produce in some markets.

Concerns

Yield drops, especially at first.
Sri Lanka’s abrupt ban on chemical fertilisers in 2021 caused crop losses and contributed to its economic crisis, showing risks of rushed transitions.
Certification costs for organic.

Balanced approach

Many experts favour gradual, evidence-based shifts and integrated nutrient management.

Module recap

Farmers spend on seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, labour, machines and credit.
Hybrid seeds must be bought each season.
GM crops remain contested.
Cheap urea causes nutrient imbalance.
India imports much of its fertiliser.
Pesticide misuse harms health.
Soil health cards have mixed results.
Most small farmers rent machines.
KCC offers cheap credit; dealers play many roles.
Drones and natural farming could cut input costs.

The gradual shift

A farmer converts one acre to natural farming while keeping the rest conventional. After seeing results, he expands gradually, avoiding a risky sudden change.

Thinking banning chemicals overnight is safe

Sri Lanka's 2021 ban showed the risks of rushed transitions.

Key takeaways

Natural farming cuts purchased inputs.
A national mission was approved in 2024.
Yield drops and rushed transitions are risks.
Gradual, evidence-based shifts are favoured.