Farming is the only indispensable occupation, as it is the source of sustaining life. In addition, this life support system seems to be undergoing a lot of change in terms of cultivation as well as marketing. This mutual change of perception towards farming can be attributed to the fact, that day-by-day, there has been an increase in population, leading to an increased demand for food too Considering this huge demand for vegetables and a gap between the demand and supply of vegetables has led to the introduction of conventional farming to match the requirement. However, various experts have been saying that the yield produced of natural farming are rich with nutrients and, therefore, people should avoid conventional farming. So, before we dig deep into what and how of natural farming, here is a look at what exactly natural farming is all about:
“Natural farming also known as organic farming is an ecological farming method introduced by Japanese. This method focuses at avoidance of manufactured inputs and equipments. In addition, natural farming like its name is focussed at cultivation the natural way.” Experts have been stating that the yield produced out of natural farming are filled with the needed nutrients and prove to be a boon when consumed. Therefore, experts have been suggesting various organic farming methods like using of various organic ingredients instead of chemicals to give the plants the needed strength and nutrition to grow. In addition, organic farming methods also include the use of manure made the natural way through animals and compost instead of fertilizers that increase the risk of the affecting the soil quality after a some years. Farmers who opt for natural farming opt for crop rotation to maintain the quality of the soil.
There are many effective ways of protecting the crop through organic farming methods. Instead of pesticides that in addition to protecting the crop, kill the various natural crop protectors like frogs and birds. Therefore, organic farming methods focus at creating new living areas for wasps, bugs, beetles that are considered to be the best natural pesticides. However, here is a look at the glaring difference between natural farming and conventional farming:
1. Conventional method uses the application of chemical fertilizers to the soil to grow crops, whereas organic builds soil through use of natural ways
2. Conventional way of protecting crops is through spraying insecticides and pesticides whereas organic way encourages on relying on natural enemies of pests.
3. In a conventional method, herbicides are used to control or to remove weeds. However, in an organic way, weeds are manually pulled.
Thus, with stark contrast and salient features, it is proved that natural farming is the best. In addition, it is also suggested by many for the following benefits:
a. Helps the farmers to reduce their production cost
b. Helps healthy farms
c. From a long term perspective, natural farming helps save energy and protect the environment too
d. Helps slow down global warming
e. Does not pollute the ground water
f. Helps balance the biodiversity
Thus, with so many benefits many are trying their level best to shift to natural farming. However, to get maximum yields through natural farming, one needs to know the various ways and techniques thoroughly. Therefore, Mahendra Trivedi reviews regularly the various ways and means of natural farming.