Indian farmers adopt natural farming to combat the impacts of climate change

Ratna Raju's farm in Guntur, India, uses a mixture of cow urine, jaggery, and other organic materials to protect crops from extreme weather caused by climate change. This so-called natural farming technique has proven effective in preventing damage from cyclones and heat waves. Andhra Pradesh has seen success with natural farming due to government support, leading to increased resilience for farmers in the face of climate change. However, most farmers in India still rely on chemical pesticides and fertilizers, leaving them vulnerable to extreme weather events. Calls for greater investment in natural farming are growing in response to climate change and decreasing profits in the agricultural sector. The benefits of natural farming were evident when Cyclone Michaung hit India's southeastern coast, destroying crops on conventional chemical-laden farms while those on natural farms remained intact. The ability of natural soil to absorb more water and resist strong winds was key to its resilience. As a result, more farmers, like Srikanth Kanapala, are considering switching to natural farming methods to protect their crops and livelihoods. Government initiatives in Andhra Pradesh have already prompted 700,000 farmers to adopt natural farming practices, with plans to expand this further. While the Indian government has allocated funds to promote natural farming at both the state and federal levels, more support is needed to scale up the practice nationwide. Farmers like Meerabi Chunduru emphasize the importance of government subsidies for seeds and other resources to facilitate the transition to natural farming. Concerns about the health and environmental impacts of chemical pesticides underscore the urgency of promoting sustainable farming practices. However, skepticism among political leaders, bureaucrats, and scientists remains a barrier to widespread adoption of natural farming. Activists and experts advocate for greater investment in agroecological initiatives, citing the long-term benefits of natural farming for soil health and agricultural sustainability. Despite challenges such as the lack of national standards and supply chain infrastructure, the potential benefits of natural farming for producers and consumers are significant. By prioritizing natural farming, India can improve food quality, soil health, and overall well-being for future generations. Focusing on diverse crops and soil health through natural farming practices can provide a viable solution for farmers facing the impacts of climate change and unsustainable agricultural practices. https://therealcrimediary.com/indian-farmers-adopt-natural-farming-to-combat-the-impacts-of-climate-change/?feed_id=33921&_unique_id=6631a2906a733