ICAR research and NITI Aayog assessment show natural farming can improve soil health, reduce input costs and deliver comparable or higher crop productivity

Key Highlights

• Farmers adopting Natural Farming are eligible for an Output-Based Incentive of ₹4,000 per acre per year for two years (up to one acre per farmer).
• ICAR has been conducting nationwide research on Natural Farming since 2020-21 through 20 research centres across 16 States.
• Research covers eight major cropping systems under different agro-climatic conditions.
• Studies indicate Natural Farming can improve soil health, reduce production costs and maintain or enhance crop yields when practiced correctly.
• NITI Aayog reports:
  • 91.2% of farmers experienced higher crop productivity and improved soil health.
  • 90.1% of farmers reported lower input costs.
• Incentive support can be used for training, livestock upkeep, preparation of natural farming inputs and purchasing bio-inputs.
• Information was shared by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shri Ramnath Thakur in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.

Government Reinforces Push for Natural Farming with Research Backing and Farmer Incentives

The Government of India has reiterated its commitment to expanding Natural Farming by highlighting scientific research, farmer experiences and financial assistance available under the national mission promoting sustainable agriculture.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has been conducting research on Natural Farming since 2020-21 through the All India Network Programme on Natural Farming, involving 20 collaborating centres across 16 States, including State Agricultural Universities and ICAR institutes.

The programme evaluates eight major cropping systems while developing region-specific natural farming practices suited to India’s diverse agro-climatic conditions.

Research Shows Improved Productivity and Soil Health

ICAR’s long-term field studies suggest that Natural Farming, when implemented using appropriate techniques, can improve soil fertility while delivering yields comparable to or higher than conventional farming systems.

Among the key findings:

• In Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Sikkim, Natural Farming recorded an average system productivity of 6,475 kg/ha/year (soybean equivalent)—around 5% higher than organic farming and integrated crop management.
• In Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, Natural Farming produced yields comparable to integrated crop management across soybean, maize, wheat and mustard cropping systems.
• Similar performance was observed in Gujarat and Rajasthan, where diversified cropping systems under Natural Farming matched conventional integrated farming practices.

Researchers also reported measurable improvements in soil organic carbon, increased microbial diversity and healthier soil ecosystems within two to three years of adoption, strengthening long-term agricultural sustainability.

NITI Aayog Assessment Supports Adoption

The Government also cited findings from a NITI Aayog assessment, which found encouraging results among farmers adopting Natural Farming.

According to the report:

• 91.2% of participating farmers experienced improved crop productivity along with better soil health.
• 90.1% reported lower production costs due to reduced dependence on chemical inputs.

Reduced expenditure on fertilizers and pesticides, combined with healthier soils, has contributed to improved farm profitability over time.

₹4,000 Per Acre Incentive for Farmers

To encourage wider adoption, the Government provides an Output-Based Incentive of ₹4,000 per acre per year for two years, covering up to one acre per farmer.

The financial assistance can be used for:

• Practicing Natural Farming
• Training fellow farmers
• Livestock maintenance
• Preparation of natural farming inputs
• Purchase of mixing and storage containers
• Procuring inputs from Bio-input Resource Centres (BRCs)

The support aims to reduce transition costs while encouraging community-based adoption of sustainable farming practices.

Hospitality, Food & Tourism Impact

The expansion of Natural Farming has growing relevance for India’s hospitality, foodservice and tourism industries as consumer demand shifts towards healthier, sustainably produced food.

• Hotels and restaurants can increasingly source naturally grown fruits, vegetables, grains and spices, supporting farm-to-table dining experiences.
• Premium hospitality brands focused on wellness, organic cuisine and sustainable gastronomy stand to benefit from a larger supply of naturally cultivated produce.
• Health-conscious domestic and international travellers are driving demand for authentic, chemical-free regional cuisine, creating opportunities for restaurants and resorts to differentiate their offerings.
• Natural Farming also supports agritourism, rural tourism and culinary tourism, where visitors seek immersive farm experiences, local food traditions and sustainable agricultural practices.
• Improved soil health and lower chemical usage contribute to environmentally responsible food production, aligning with the hospitality industry’s broader sustainability and ESG commitments.

Hospitality Outlook

As India’s Natural Farming ecosystem expands, it has the potential to strengthen sustainable food supply chains for hotels, restaurants and catering businesses while creating new opportunities for wellness tourism, farm-based hospitality and destination dining. The Government’s financial incentives and research-backed approach could accelerate the availability of premium, naturally grown ingredients that increasingly appeal to modern travellers and food-conscious consumers.