In news : Recently, NITI Aayog held a national-level consultation on the ‘Principles and Practices of BPKP (Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati)-Natural Farming’
A brief note on National level consultation on BPKP-Natural farming by NITI Aayog
- It was held in September 2020
- Subject: On the ‘Principles and Practices of BPKP (Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Padhati)-Natural Farming
- Aim: To foster an exchange of information on the potential and challenges in the adoption of natural farming in India
Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati(BPKP) programme
- Natural farming is promoted as Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati Programme (BPKP) under centrally sponsored scheme- Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)
- Aim: BPKP is aimed at promoting traditional indigenous practices which reduces externally purchased inputs.
- It is largely based on on-farm biomass recycling with major stress on biomass mulching, use of on-farm cow dung-urine formulations; periodic soil aeration and exclusion of all synthetic chemical inputs
- States adopted BPKP programme: It has been adopted in State of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Kerala
- NITI Aayog along with Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers welfare had convened several high level discussions with global experts on Natural farming practices.
- It is roughly estimated that around 2.5 million farmers in India are already practicing regenerative agriculture.
- In the next 5 years, it is expected to reach 20 lakh hectares- in any form of organic farming, including natural farming, of which 12 lakh hectares are under BPKP.
What is Natural Farming?
Natural Farming is a chemical-free alias traditional farming method. It is considered as an agroecology based diversified farming system which integrates crops, trees and livestock with functional biodiversity.
Effectiveness of natural farming- BPKP
- Several studies have reported the effectiveness of natural farming- BPKP in terms of increase in production, sustainability, saving of water use, improvement in soil health and farmland ecosystem.
- It is considered as a cost- effective farming practices with scope for raising employment and rural development.
Source: NITI Aayog & PIB
