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What is Natural Farming?

Natural farming is an agricultural method that works with nature, avoiding the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or synthetic inputs. Instead, it focuses on enhancing soil health using natural compost, crop residues, and indigenous microorganisms. This approach encourages biodiversity, water conservation, and a zero-budget model, allowing farmers to cultivate crops without expensive inputs.

Should India Focus on Natural Farming?

India, where agriculture plays a key role in the economy, could benefit from a shift to natural farming. Conventional farming has led to environmental issues like soil degradation and water scarcity. By focusing on natural farming, India could reverse these damages while promoting sustainability. Additionally, natural farming produces chemical-free crops, appealing to the growing demand for organic food, both within the country and internationally, supporting healthier living and boosting the market for organic produce.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Starting a Natural Vegetable Garden at Home

Growing your own vegetables naturally is a fulfilling way to enjoy fresh, chemical-free produce while making the most of your space—be it a yard, terrace, or balcony. With the right setup and care, you can build a thriving vegetable garden using simple, eco-friendly methods.

Begin by gathering essential materials like earthen pots or grow bags, nutrient-rich soil mixed with compost, and organic or heirloom seeds such as tomato, spinach, or okra. Natural inputs like Jeevamrutha, cow dung compost, neem spray, and mulch (dry leaves or straw) help maintain soil health and protect plants.

Choose a sunny spot with at least 4–6 hours of direct light. Prepare a well-draining soil mix using 50% garden soil, 25% compost, and 25% sand or cocopeat—skip chemical fertilizers. Sow seeds based on season and space, water gently, and mulch to retain moisture.

Water your plants in the morning or evening, avoiding excess, especially in containers. For pests, use neem or garlic-chili spray weekly. Feed the soil naturally every 15 days with Jeevamrutha or compost tea. Great beginner veggies include tomato, spinach, methi, coriander, radish, chili, and okra—all of which grow well in containers and mature in 30–60 days.

🌱 Start small, involve your family, and enjoy the process. Natural gardening is slow but deeply rewarding.

Success Stories

Story of Adaribariki Seethamma of Andhra Pradesh

Adaribariki Seethamma is a lead natural farmer from Pedalabudu village of Araku Mandal, in Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh.

Technology used: In 2019 May, pre-monsoon dry sowing was done and 200 kg of Ghanajivamrit was applied and the soil was ploughed minimally.

Story of Shailender Sharma of Himachal Pradesh

Shailender Sharma is a farmer from Solan District, Himachal Pradesh.

Technology: The Subhash Palekar Natural Farming method was used, with the timely application of Beejamrit, Jivamrit, Aachhadan and Waaphsa, Kashayams (decoctions), in a 25-bigha land. The crops planted was tomato, capsicum, beans and rajmash.

Story of Yashi Dolma of Himachal Pradesh

Yashi Dolma is a farmer from the Lahaul-Spiti district, Kaza Development Section, Himachal Pradesh. The geographical region, known as cold desert, is challenging for farming.

Technology: The Subhash Palekar Natural Farming (Khushal Kisan Yojana) method was used, with timely application of Beejamrit, Jivamrit, Aachhadan and Whapasa, Kashayams (decoctions), in a 25-bigha land. The crops planted were caulliflower, broccoli, cabbage, turnip, peas, potatoes, mustard, radish and lettuce.

Story of Narvanbhai Khatabhai Gohil of Gujarat

Narvanbhai Khatabhai Gohil is a farmer from Village Sevadivadar, Jesar, District Bhavnagar, Gujarat.

Technology: Banana fruit was planted and Jivamrit, Ghanjivamrit, Nimastra, Daspraniark were applied during the crop cycle. The seeds were treated with Beejamrit before sowing and the crop was monitored.

Impact: The practice is profitable as it saves cost, softens the soil, and increases the soil organic matter, along with quality production and increased retail selling of banana.