Perturbed over high input costs, farmers in Punjab are taking to natural farming methods for better financial returns which promise better yields and minimal costs. Above all, they are getting 70-80% more premium for their produce compared to chemical farming.
Natural farming involves shunning the use of chemicals, fertilizers and pesticides from the market. Instead, homemade potions are used which keep the soil pest-free. Also practices like mixed cropping and mulching help maintain its nutrient balance and bring down water consumption by 40%.
It is worth mentioning that Punjab is the biggest user of pesticides and fertilizers in the country. According to agriculture scientist, the excessive use led to ecologically degradation of soil, raising the cost of farming.
Speaking to Business Standard, Angrej Singh, a farmer from Muktsar,” As we know, the excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers has not only affected the health of the citizens but also the soil. Perturbed over the situation took to natural farming in 2006. Initially, there were not many takers but negligible input costs and better returns has prompted many of the farmers not in our district but in the state to take natural farming. Even many of the farmers are diverting from organic farming which is costly proposition to natural farming.”
via Farmers in Punjab reaping rich benefits by adopting natural farming | Business Standard News.