Indian farmers adopt natural farming methods to combat effects of climate change

Ratna Raju's farm in Guntur, India uses natural farming methods to protect his crops from unpredictable and extreme weather caused by climate change. The concoction of cow urine, jaggery, and other organic materials act as fertilizers, pesticides, and weather barriers for his crops. The soil on his farm can hold more water and has more robust roots to withstand strong winds, making it resilient to cyclones and extreme heat. The success of natural farming in Andhra Pradesh has been attributed to active government support, and experts are calling for these methods to be expanded across India's agricultural lands. The benefits of natural farming were evident during Cyclone Michaung, where Raju's crops were able to absorb rainwater quickly while neighboring farms using chemical pesticides and fertilizers suffered flooding. As a result, more farmers like Srikanth Kanapala are considering switching to natural farming methods to protect their crops from extreme weather events. Local and federal government initiatives have led to an estimated 700,000 farmers in Andhra Pradesh adopting natural farming, with the hope of inspiring all six million farmers in the state to transition by the end of the decade. While the Indian federal government has allocated funds to promote natural farming, farmers like Meerabi Chunduru emphasize the need for more support. Chunduru switched to natural farming after her husband's health deteriorated due to exposure to harmful pesticides, highlighting the health risks associated with traditional farming methods. However, skepticism about natural farming persists among political leaders, government bureaucrats, and scientists who favor conventional farming practices that use chemical inputs for higher productivity. Despite the long-term benefits of natural farming, including healthier soil and plants, the practice faces challenges in scaling up due to a lack of national standards, guidelines, and supply chains for farmers to sell their produce. Advocates like Kavitha Kuruganti stress the importance of increasing budgetary outlays for sustainable farming practices and reducing the dependency on chemical fertilizers. While some politicians support natural farming, expanding its implementation remains a challenge in India. Overall, natural farming has the potential to benefit farmers and consumers alike by providing nutrient-rich food, improving soil health, and reducing the reliance on harmful chemicals. Farmers like Chunduru hope that prioritizing natural farming in the country will lead to better outcomes for future generations and mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change on agriculture. With the support of government initiatives and increased awareness, natural farming could be a sustainable solution for farmers across India facing the challenges of climate change and decreasing profits. https://therealcrimediary.com/indian-farmers-adopt-natural-farming-methods-to-combat-effects-of-climate-change/?feed_id=33786&_unique_id=66315bee774e9